First LNG Bunkering of Foreign Cruise Ship Completed in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Gas (Kitagas) and MOL Techno-Trade have completed the first LNG bunkering operation for a foreign cruise ship in Hokkaido, supplying fuel to Luminara, operated by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, during its call at the Port of Hakodate.

The operation marks a milestone in the development of LNG bunkering infrastructure in northern Japan as the maritime industry seeks lower-emission fuel alternatives to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Under the collaboration, Kitagas procured and supplied the LNG, while MOL Techno-Trade managed the commercial aspects of the fuel transaction.

Truck-to-Ship LNG Supply

The bunkering was carried out using a truck-to-ship method, where LNG was supplied directly from onshore tanker trucks to the vessel. The approach offers flexibility for ports of call and avoids the significant capital investment required for dedicated bunkering vessels or fixed infrastructure.

Supporting Lower-Emission Shipping

As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightens emissions regulations, LNG continues to gain traction as a transitional marine fuel. Compared with conventional heavy fuel oil, LNG can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 25%, while also lowering sulphur oxide and particulate emissions.

The Hakodate operation follows previous LNG bunkering projects conducted by Kitagas, including domestic ferry bunkering at the Port of Tomakomai in May 2025 and LNG supply to the cruise ship Asuka III at the Port of Kushiro later that year.

Expanding LNG Infrastructure in Hokkaido

The latest bunkering operation supports Kitagas’ broader Challenge 2030 strategy, which focuses on expanding natural gas utilisation and energy infrastructure while contributing to lower-carbon transport solutions.

By building a track record in LNG bunkering across Hokkaido’s ports, the company aims to strengthen regional maritime fuel supply capabilities and support shipping sector decarbonisation efforts.