Japan's Keys Bunkering takes delivery of LNG bunkering vessel

Keys Bunkering West Japan Corporation, a joint venture comprising Kyushu Electric Power Co., NYK Line, Itochu Enex, and Saibu Gas, on March 28 announced the delivery of the LNG bunkering vessel Keya Azalea.

The handover ceremony took place at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Corporation's Yamatocho factory, where officials from Keya and representatives from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism gathered to commemorate the occasion.

Named at a ceremony held last year, the Keya Azalea will be engaged in LNG coastal transportation and LNG bunkering services for oceangoing vessels visiting ports in the Kyushu-Setouchi area. This project represents Japan's first LNG bunkering initiative to supply LNG to ships across the Kyushu and Setouchi region, Keys said.

The vessel is equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of utilising both LNG and heavy oil as fuel for its main power generation equipment.