Osaka Gas is solidifying Japan’s lead in clean maritime fuels with the launch of its first Ship-to-Ship LNG bunkering vessel, the SETO AZURE. This development expands capacity in the Seto Inland Sea beyond truck-based logistics, providing a high-volume supply chain for NYK, MOL, and “K” Line’s growing LNG-fueled fleets and paving the way for future carbon-neutral e-methane.
Japan | March 5, 2026 – As the maritime industry accelerates its pivot toward lower-emission fuels, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. has reached a pivotal milestone in its decarbonization roadmap. On March 5, a formal naming ceremony was held at the Shitanoe Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. yard in Usuki City for the SETO AZURE, the company’s first-ever dedicated LNG bunkering vessel (LBV).
The vessel is owned by Osaka Bay LNG Shipping Co., Ltd., a joint venture involving Osaka Gas International Transport Inc., NS United Coastal Tanker Kaisha, Ltd., and Kobe Osaka International Port Corporation.
Launching the Ship-to-Ship Frontier
The christening of the SETO AZURE serves as the final prelude to Osaka Gas’s official entry into the Ship-to-Ship bunkering market, scheduled for April 2026.
While Osaka Gas already services the industry via Truck-to-Ship and Port-to-Ship methods, the addition of an LBV allows for far greater scale and flexibility. By bringing the fuel directly to vessels at berth or anchor, the company can now service larger ocean-going ships, including capsize bulkers operated by Japan’s “Big Three” shipping giants: NYK, MOL, and “K” Line.
“We are excited to commence our Ship-to-Ship LNG bunkering operations next month,” said Masataka Fujiwara, President and Representative Director of Osaka Gas. “Amid global momentum towards decarbonization, Osaka Gas is dedicated to providing a stable supply of LNG to meet growing demand.”
Technical Specifications: SETO AZURE
The vessel is designed for high maneuverability and safe fuel transfer in the busy waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
| Feature | Specification |
| Length / Breadth | 86.29 M / 17.60 M |
| Gross Tonnage | Approx. 4,350 T |
| Tank System | IMO Type C independent tank |
| LNG Capacity | Approx. 3,610 m3 |
| Propulsion | Electric (Dual-Fuel LNG/Oil Engine) |
Strategic Importance for the Seto Inland Sea
The vessel’s name, SETO AZURE, honors the azure waters of the Seto Inland Sea, where much of the bunkering activity will be concentrated. Japan has faced a historical shortage of LNG bunkering infrastructure, a bottleneck that has slowed the adoption of LNG-fueled tonnage. By providing a comprehensive “three-way” supply model (Truck, Port, and Ship-to-Ship), Osaka Gas is positioning the region as a reliable hub for the global LNG-fueled fleet.
The Path to 2050: Beyond LNG
While the SETO AZURE focuses on LNG today, the Daigas Group (the parent brand of Osaka Gas) is looking toward the IMO’s 2050 net-zero targets. Under the “Daigas Group Energy Transition 2050” plan, the company intends to eventually transition its bunkering infrastructure to handle e-methane.
As a carbon-neutral synthetic fuel that can utilize existing LNG supply chains, e-methane represents the next phase of the group’s commitment to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping sector.
About Osaka Gas and Daigas Group
Osaka Gas, a core company of the Daigas Group, is a major energy provider in Japan, with operations spanning the production and supply of city gas, LNG, LPG, and electricity, as well as international energy development, investment, and LNG transport. The Daigas Group’s diversified energy services and its growing role in energy transition initiatives underscore its long-term commitment to sustainable energy solutions, both domestically and globally.
Source: Osaka Gas