The LNG bunkering vessel KEYS Azalea made history in Japan’s Kyushu and Setouchi Area with its official delivery ceremony on March 28 at the Yamatomachi Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Officials from KEYS Bunkering West Japan Corporation (KEYS) and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) joined the event, expressing prayers for its safe voyages.
KEYS, a joint venture comprising Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., NYK Line, ITOCHU ENEX CO., LTD., and Saibu Gas Co., Ltd., stands as a pioneer in the Kyushu and Setouchi areas with the operation of this vessel. The project, initiated by KEYS, is a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at providing domestic coastal transport of LNG to consumers in the region and offering LNG bunkering services for oceangoing vessels visiting ports within the area’s jurisdiction.
This initiative marks Japan’s first LNG bunkering project dedicated to supplying LNG to vessels operating within the expansive Kyushu and Setouchi areas. The construction of the vessel was made possible through financial support provided by a subsidy under MLIT’s FY2021 LNG Bunkering Base Formation Project.
KEYS Azalea distinguishes itself as Japan’s inaugural LNG bunkering vessel outfitted with a dual-fuel engine capable of utilizing both LNG and heavy oil as fuel for its primary power generation system. This innovative technology underscores the commitment of the four collaborating companies and KEYS to actively contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader goals of achieving a carbon-neutral society.
Vessel Particulars:
- LOA: 82.4 meters
- Beam: 18.2 meters
- Draft: 4.8 meters
- Gross Tonnage: 4,744 tons
- LNG Loadable Capacity: 3,500 cubic meters
- Driving Power: Electricity (dual-fuel engine consuming LNG or fuel oil)
- Builder: Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
KEYS Bunkering West Japan Corporation, headquartered in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, spearheads the venture. Led by Representative Takashi Mitsuyoshi, the company’s core business revolves around the sale of LNG fuel and ownership of LNG bunkering vessels. Established on February 2, 2023, the corporation boasts a notable shareholder lineup consisting of Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (40%), NYK Line (40%), ITOCHU ENEX CO., LTD. (15%), and Saibu Gas Co., Ltd. (5%).
The successful delivery of the KEYS Azalea signifies a significant step forward in Japan’s efforts to embrace sustainable energy solutions within its maritime sector, paving the way for future developments and collaborations aimed at fostering a greener, more environmentally conscious maritime industry.
Source NYK Line