Japan's First LNG-Fuelled Tugboat Named
Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) September 28 named and launched its first LNG-fuelled tugboat built at Kanagawa dockyard, the company said the same day.
The tugboat, named Ishin, is scheduled for delivery in February 2019 after the completion of outfitting work. It will be the first LNG-fuelled tugboat serving Osaka Bay starting in April. According to MOL, Ishin will emit an estimated 25% less CO2 in comparison with tugs that run on fuel oil. It is powered by the latest two dual-fuel (fuel oil and LNG) engines made by Osaka-based Yanmar.
The tugboat will be the first ship in Japan conforming to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), aimed at ensuring the safety of LNG-fueled vessels, that took effect January 1 2017, said MOL. It is also Japan's first LNG-fuelled tugboat with a removable LNG fuel tank at the stern of the ship, designed for easier bunkering and maintenance.
Ishin will be operated by Kobe-based Nihon Tug-Boat. Its LNG will be supplied by Osaka Gas using a truck-to-ship system.
MOL and Osaka Gas will establish an LNG fuel supply system for vessels in Sakai Senboku Port.
The LNG-fueled tugboat Ishin at its launch ceremony (Credit for this and banner image: MOL)