In a landmark achievement, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), one of Japan’s leading shipping companies, has completed the first-ever LNG bunkering for a Japanese-operated vessel in Western North America. On March 1, 2025, MOL’s LNG-fueled car carrier Lake Herman was refueled via a ship-to-ship transfer in Vancouver, marking a significant milestone in the region’s maritime sector. The operation was conducted by Seaspan Garibaldi, an LNG bunkering vessel operated by Seaspan Energy, a key sustainable marine fuel supplier in North America.
This operation highlights MOL’s ongoing commitment to sustainable shipping practices while signaling the growing adoption of LNG as a clean marine fuel in North America. The event underscores the critical role LNG-powered vessels play in supporting global decarbonization efforts.
Expanding LNG Fueling Infrastructure in Western North America
The successful bunkering of Lake Herman underscores the rapid expansion of LNG fueling infrastructure in Western North America, with Seaspan Energy leading the charge. The region is becoming a key hub for LNG-powered vessels, driven by innovative bunkering solutions and the growth of clean energy initiatives at major ports.
Seaspan Energy has been a frontrunner in LNG bunkering, already operating a fleet of advanced LNG bunkering vessels, including Seaspan Garibaldi. In November 2024, Seaspan became the first LNG bunker supplier accredited at the Port of Vancouver, further solidifying Vancouver’s position as a leader in clean marine fuel operations.
MOL’s Commitment to Sustainable Shipping
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) continues to pioneer the use of LNG as a marine fuel. Through its MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2, MOL aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The company is making substantial investments in LNG-powered vessels and expanding LNG fueling infrastructure across global ports. The successful bunkering of Lake Herman marks an important step in MOL’s strategy to use clean, alternative fuels in support of its decarbonization goals.
“We are proud of this milestone in partnership with Seaspan Energy,” said Yoshikazu Urushitani, General Manager of MOL’s Marine Fuel GX Division. “This achievement expands the areas where LNG-fueled vessels can operate and offers our customers more sustainable options for their supply chains. We remain committed to advancing LNG adoption and look forward to future collaborations with Seaspan Energy in North America.”
Seaspan Energy’s Leadership in LNG Bunkering
Seaspan Energy’s involvement in this operation further reinforces its leadership in LNG bunkering in North America. The company operates a fleet of state-of-the-art LNG bunkering vessels—Seaspan Garibaldi, Seaspan Lions, and Seaspan Baker—which are crucial in providing safe, efficient LNG refueling across the region. Seaspan’s advanced infrastructure and commitment to safety make it an ideal partner for MOL in driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable maritime industry.
“We’re proud to support MOL in this historic first,” said Harly Penner, President of Seaspan Energy. “This partnership reflects the increasing demand for cleaner fuels in the maritime sector, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to safely and efficiently fuel LNG-powered vessels in the region.”
Vancouver’s Role in the LNG Transition
The Port of Vancouver has become a leading force in LNG adoption, becoming the first Canadian port to approve LNG as an alternative fuel for ship bunkering. This move aligns with the port’s broader sustainability goals and its commitment to reducing emissions across the maritime industry.
As MOL continues to expand its fleet of LNG-powered vessels, its collaboration with Seaspan Energy will be essential in establishing a robust LNG bunkering network across North America. The successful refueling of Lake Herman in Vancouver marks a pivotal step in the mainstream adoption of LNG as a fuel choice for the global shipping industry and contributes to the sector’s ongoing decarbonization efforts.
Source Mitsui O.S.K Lines | Seaspan Energy