SEA\LNG coalition, aiming to promote LNG as a marine fuel, announced Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) as its latest member. Representing the Japanese ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is expected to bring essential knowledge from a port’s perspective to SEA\LNG.
SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE Inc., Peter Keller, said that ports around the world have begun taking LNG seriously.
“As customers begin to adopt LNG as a viable, scalable solution, ports are recognising that it’s an essential part of a strong future fuel offering. Representing the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is well placed to share its learning, in relation to infrastructure development, effective port operations, and customer needs, and we know that the coalition will benefit from its perspective on unlocking the potential for LNG as a marine fuel. ”
Designated by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) as the official operating company for the Keihin ports serving Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is tasked with the management of integrated operations at container terminals in the Yokohama and Kawasaki area.
Mr. Masamichi Morooka, President and CEO of Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation said: “From a geographical perspective, the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki are perfectly placed to serve as the first or last bunkering points on the Asian side of the Trans-Pacific route.”
Japan is the world’s biggest importer of LNG, with 35 regasification terminals. In 2016, it accounted for about 34% of global imports, representing some 86 million tonnes of LNG.
YKIP is the second Japanese organisation to join the SEA\LNG coalition in a matter of weeks, following the recently announced addition of Marubeni Corporation. This brings the latest membership tally to 26 and “highlights the industry’s growing recognition of LNG as a cost effective, safe, and more environmentally friendly long-term fueling solution”, the coalition noted.
