LNG bunkering business launched in Japan

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. launches ship-to-ship LNG bunkering business in the Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea.

The company is planning to start the operation of an LNG bunkering vessel with a 1,500-tonne capacity in fiscal 2026.

The business was adopted as a project eligible for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s LNG bunkering hub development programme.

The bunkering vessel construction will be led by Osaka Bay LNG Shipping Co., Ltd. (OLS), a company jointly established by Osaka Gas International Transport Inc. (OGIT, Osaka Gas’ 100% subsidiary), NS United Coastal Tanker Kaisha, Ltd. (NSUT), and Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation (HPC).

OLS will own the LNG bunkering vessel to be constructed under the subsidy program, NSUT, an established LNG coastal vessel operator, will manage and operate the vessel, and HPC will promote the business and LNG bunkering across the shipping industry in cooperation with the relevant government agencies, port administrator and officials.