MOL Conducted LNG Bunkering Trials at the Port of Tomakomai

by Admin
Tomakomai Port Japan

MOL – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. today announced that it cooperated an LNG bunkering trial in Tomakomai Port, jointly conducted by Tomakomai Port Authority and Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. The trial involved the LNG-fueled tugboat Ishin, owned by MOL and operated by its Group company Nihon Tug-Boat Co., Ltd., which was used for LNG bunkering.

In addition, MOL Group MOL Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd. cooperated on maritime consulting services for the trial.

From left: Mitsunari Hirasawa Executive Vice President Tomakomai Port Authority, Takashi Nakashima President MOL Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd., Tetsuro Nishio President Nihon Tug-Boat Co., Ltd., Tsunemichi Mukai Executive Officer Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Hirofumi Iwakura President of Tomakomai Port Authority / Mayor of Tomakomai City, Tsuyoshi Suga Senior Managing Executive Officer Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Hiroshi Matsumoto General Manager of Hokkaido District Office Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Ren Endo Chairperson Tomakomai Port Authority Assembly

The Ishin is currently engaged in escorting large freighters and other vessels during port calling in/out operations, mainly in Port of Sakai-Semboku, Osaka. This is the third LNG bunkering trial for the tug, following earlier trials in Kobe and Nagoya. The LNG fuel was supplied by the truck-to-ship system using tanker trucks, which is also used to supply LNG at Sakai-Semboku.

The MOL Group has moved forward with the “adoption of clean alternative energy” strategy toward de-carbonization/low carbonization in line with “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1,” established in June 2021, with the aim of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

LNG fuel is expected to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, for example, about 25% less carbon dioxide (CO2) in comparison to conventional fuel oils. The MOL Group has promoted the introduction of LNG-fueled vessels as “a currently feasible initiative on reducing GHG emissions.” The group continually strives to achieve a low- and decarbonized society through its concerted efforts.

Press Release MOL – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.