Press Release

Building international cooperation on the development of LNG bunkering hub

2016/10/7

Government of Japan signed a memorandum of understanding with other countries on 5th Oct 2016 at the 19th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (“SIBCON 2016”) in relation to cooperation on development of LNG as a marine fuel.

Japan is the world's largest LNG importing country and major Japanese ports are already having several LNG tanks in their premises.
Last year, NYK Line introduced a LNG fueled tug boat in the port of Yokohama and Tokyo Gas – one of the major gas company in Japan – supplied the LNG to the tug boat from a LNG truck.
In June 2016, MLIT established a steering committee for LNG bunkering in the port of Yokohama in cooperation with Tokyo Gas, NYK Line, YKIP (Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Corporation),which was a new government owned port operating company headed by Mr. Masamichi Morooka, ex-chairman of International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and other related authorities.
MLIT is aiming at establishing a LNG bunkering hub in Yokohama, harmonizing with other environmentally advanced ports in the region.
To promote to shift towards the use of LNG as a marine fuel, it’s necessary to establish a network of LNG bunker-ready ports across the East and the West.
During the Opening Ceremony of SIBCON 2016, which was held in Singapore, the memorandum of understanding on multilateral cooperation of the following was signed.

MOU

Memorandum of understanding in relation to the cooperation on the development of LNG as a marine fuel

Singers

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan,
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore,
Ulsan Port Authority,
Antwerp Port Authority,
Port of Zeebrugge,
Port of Rotterdam Authority,
Norwegian Maritime Authority,
JAX Chamber

Director-General, Ports and Harbours Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan, offered his comments when singing the MOU .

Japan is importing one-third of the world’s LNG and pushing LNG Bunkering forward under the strong leadership of the government.
In particular, the Japanese government is taking necessary steps to strengthen the functional capability of the port of Yokohama as a LNG Bunkering base, where LNG Bunkering was first started last year.
Through the operation of the world’s largest fleet of LNG Carriers, the introduction of the world first dedicated LNG Bunkering Vessel, and everyday operation of the LNG Fueled Vessels, the technical capabilities and knowledge of Japanese maritime cluster has been growing, giving Japan an enough potential to be able to lead the formulation of the international standards for LNG Bunkering.
As the world's largest LNG importing country, Japan is going to contribute to the promotion of LNG as a marine fuel through its participation to the International Focus Group based on the MOU.



signing pqarties
Signing parties

a look of signature
State of signing (center : Director-General, Ports and Harbours Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan.)
 

Contact

Masatoyo ISHIHARA
Mail:ishihara-m2w2@ mlit.go.jp
Marketing Director | Ports and Harbours Bureau | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan.

Takeshi SUZUKI
Mail:suzuki-t22t@ mlit.go.jp
Deputy Director | Management and Operation Division | Ports and Harbours Bureau | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan.

Attached Documents

Joint press release(PDF形式)link for PDF

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