Japan’s NYK Continues to Focus on LNG as Ship Fuel

Japan’s NYK continues to focus on the use of LNG to fuel ships in order to meet the tightened regulations on CO2 emissions.

On Monday, NYK said the company jointly with Keihin Dock Co. Ltd. received the Technological Development Award at the 17th annual Logistics Environment Awards sponsored by the Japan Federation of Freight Industries (JFFI). The award recognized the environmental load reduction achieved by Japan's first LNG-fuelled tugboat, Sakigake. 

Sakigake, which was delivered in August 2015 and comes equipped with dual-fuel engines that can use either LNG or diesel oil, was highly evaluated by the JFFI because LNG fuel has much less of an environmental impact compared with heavy fuel oil, the company said.

In accordance with the NYK Group’s medium-term management plan, NYK has been implementing a number of creative solutions, such as the construction of the world’s first LNG-fuelled car carrier and LNG bunkering vessel. NYK has also teamed with Engie and the Mitsubishi Corporation to develop the LNG bunkering business, and will contribute to the continuing promotion and development of LNG fuel for ships for reduced environmental loads.