Japan’s NYK to further expand its large LNG fleet

Japan’s shipping giant NYK is working to further expand its fleet of liquefied natural gas carriers and LNG-powered vessels, according to the company’s president and CEO, Takaya Soga.

Soga said on November 6 during NYK’s earnings presentation on second-quarter FY 2023 results that the firm has secured “several medium and long-term charter contracts for LNG carriers.”

“We are working to expand our fleet,” he said.

Soga did not provide further details.

According to the presentation, NYK had 115 LNG carriers in its fleet as of September 30, including pre-delivery vessels with long-term charters.

Out of these, 86 LNG carriers are in operation, the presentation shows.

Besides LNG carriers, NYK is expanding its fleet of “environment-friendly” vessels, including LNG-fueled vessels, LPG-fueled vessels, and methanol-fueled vessels, Soga said.

Soga also noted that NYK is working to convert its LNG-fueled tugboat Sakigake to be able to use ammonia as fuel.

NYK currently has 13 LNG-fueled vessels, 2 LPG-powered vessels, and 3 methanol-fueled ships, in its fleet.

The firm also has one LNG bunkering vessel.

NYK’s sixth LNG-fueled pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Sumire Leader, recently started its transportation service for Japan’s Mazda Motor.

The company is positioning LNG fuel as one of the bridge solutions until future zero-emission ships are realized and previously said it plans to take delivery of a total of 20 new LNG-fueled car carriers by 2028.

It took delivery of Japan’s first LNG-powered PCTC, Sakura Leader, in October 2020, followed by the delivery of its second PCTC, Plumeria Leader, in March last year.

Most Popular

Excelerate buys NFE’s Jamaica business for $1.05 billion

US FSRU player Excelerate Energy has entered into a definitive agreement with compatriot LNG player New Fortress Energy to acquire NFE’s business in Jamaica for $1.055 billion in cash.

Snam’s Ravenna FSRU to get first LNG shipment

Snam's 170,000-cbm FSRU BW Singapore, located off Italy's Ravenna, is set to receive the first LNG cargo from the US as part of its commissioning activities.

Argentina’s Enarsa gets offers for LNG cargo tender

Argentina's state-owned LNG importer Energia Argentina (Enarsa) has received seven offers for its first LNG cargo tender in 2025.

More News Like This

Japan remains top LNG tanker owner

Japan owns the world’s most valuable and largest fleet of LNG carriers, and the nation is followed by Greece...

Hudong-Zhonghua launches two LNG tankers

Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua has launched two 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. According to a statement by Hudong-Zhonghua, the launching...

Monjasa in UAE LNG bunkering move

Monjasa said on Wednesday it introduces the UAE’s first dedicated LNG bunkering vessel, Green Zeebrugge. Previously known as Engie Zeebrugge,...

NYK’s Gazocean adds new LNG carrier to its fleet

The newbuild LNG carrier in question is the 174,000-cbm, Elisa Ardea, according to a social media post by Gazocean. Gazocean...