Japan’s Ecobunker Shipping said it has signed a memorandum of understanding to work on LNG bunkering operations in the Yokohama port.
The firm signed the memorandum on May 28 with the city of Yokohama, NYK Line, and its unit NYK Cruises which expects to take delivery of its first LNG-powered cruise ship in 2025.
Under the deal, the partners will work to carry out safe LNG bunkering operations in the port but also prepare for the arrival of the new cruise vessel.
The Yokohama port, which aims to become carbon-neutral, is already working on a dedicated quay that will host Ecobunker’s LNG bunkering vessel currently under construction at Japan’s Fukuoka Shipbuilding.
In addition, the port is also a shareholder in Ecobunker Shipping. Other joint venture partners include Uyeno Transtech, Sumitomo but also Development Bank of Japan.
The 95.57 meters long and 15.8 meters wide bunkering vessel named Ecobunker Tokyo Bay features a 2,500-cbm LNG tank and a 1500-cbm oil tank.
Moreover, the LNG tank capacity equals around 1,500 tons of marine fuel oil.
According to the JV, this is enough fuel for an LNG-powered Panamax container ship or a car carrier to complete a round trip between Asia and North America.
Ecobunker expects to take delivery of the LNG bunkering ship by the end of this year.