Japan’s Fukuoka launches Ecobunker’s LNG bunkering vessel

Japan’s Fukuoka Shipbuilding launched on Tuesday a multi-bunkering vessel for compatriot Ecobunker Shipping.

The vessel owner is a joint venture consisting of Uyeno Transtech, Sumitomo, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port, and Development Bank of Japan.

The ship named Ecobunker Tokyo Bay is capable of supplying both liquefied natural gas and very low sulfur fuel oil via a ship-to-ship method.

Futhermore, the 95.57 meters long and 15.8 meters wide bunkering vessel features a 2,500-cbm LNG tank and a 1500-cbm oil tank.

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.

Founded in late 2018, Ecobunker is looking to boost the use of LNG as fuel in Japan and help develop a bunkering hub in Tokyo Bay.

Japan, the world’s largest importer of chilled fuel, has seen a growing number of LNG fueling developments in the last couple of years as ports and shipowners look to comply with stricter shipping emissions.

Ecobunker has received the backing by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, and other government ministries and agencies.

The JV signed a shipbuilding contract for its first and only LNG bunkering vessel last year with Japan Marine United Corporation.

JMU is managing the whole project and completed the concept design for the ship and the LNG system.

Fukuoka Shipbuilding secured the hull design and construction contract while LNG tank fabrication including the cargo handling system were completed by Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company.

Most Popular

Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG to commission third jetty

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has received approval from the US FERC to introduce hazardous fluids to the third jetty at its Plaquemines LNG export plant in Louisiana.

Samsung Heavy, KR to develop three-tank LNG carrier

South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with compatriot classification society KR to jointly develop a 174,000-cbm LNG carrier featuring three cargo tanks.

Another FSRU arrives in Egypt

The 160,000-cbm FSRU Energos Eskimo has arrived in Egypt from Jordan, according to shipping data. The unit is one of four FSRUs that will serve a charter deal with Egypt's EGAS as the country seeks to meet its growing demand for natural gas.

More News Like This

Fairfield Chemical’s LNG-powered tanker delivered in Japan

Japan’s Fukuoka Shipbuilding has delivered Fairfield Chemical’s third in the series of four LNG dual-fuel stainless steel chemical tankers. FCC,...

Fairfield Chemical’s LNG-powered tanker floated out in Japan

Japan’s Fukuoka Shipbuilding has launched Fairfield Chemical’s third in the series of four LNG dual-fuel stainless steel chemical tankers. Fairfield...

Fairfield Chemical’s LNG-powered tanker launched in Japan

Japan's Fukuoka Shipbuilding has launched Fairfield Chemical’s second in the series of four LNG dual-fuel stainless steel chemical tankers. Connecticut-based...

Japan backs construction of Fairfield Chemical’s LNG-powered tanker

State-owned Development Bank of Japan and classification society ClassNK are backing the construction of Fairfield Chemical's first LNG-powered tanker...