Osaka Gas has officially launched ship-to-ship LNG bunkering following a successful fuel transfer by the vessel SETO AZURE to a Capesize bulk carrier in Hiroshima. This achievement makes Osaka Gas a full-service provider across all three primary bunkering methods, drastically improving fuel supply resilience and supporting the maritime industry’s shift toward decarbonization and e-methane.
Osaka, Japan | April 21, 2026 – In a move that significantly fortifies Japan’s position in the global maritime energy transition, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. has launched its ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering service. The inaugural operation, conducted on 21st of April, marks the completion of the company’s bunkering capabilities, making it a rare “triple-threat” supplier capable of Ship-to-Ship, Truck-to-Ship, and Port-to-Ship deliveries.
The milestone operation took place at JFE Steel Corporation’s West Japan Works in the Fukuyama District of Hiroshima. The newly commissioned bunkering vessel, SETO AZURE, successfully delivered LNG fuel to a dual-fuel Capesize bulk carrier, proving the operational viability of large-scale LNG transfers in the region.
Strategic Resilience: The Power of Three Methods
By securing the ship-to-ship method, widely considered the most flexible and efficient for large commercial vessels, Osaka Gas has eliminated a significant bottleneck in Japan’s LNG infrastructure.
While truck-to-ship is ideal for smaller volumes and port-to-ship serves fixed berths, the STS method allows vessels to refuel while at berth or at anchorage. This flexibility is supported by a robust supply chain: the SETO AZURE can load fuel at both the Senboku LNG Terminal (Osaka) and the Himeji LNG Terminal (Hyogo), creating a redundant and highly resilient supply network across the Osaka Bay and Setouchi areas.
A Critical Tool for Decarbonization
The shipping industry is under immense pressure to meet IMO 2030 and 2050 targets. LNG remains the primary bridge fuel, significantly cutting CO2 emissions and virtually eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx).
According to data from DNV, the number of LNG-fueled vessels (excluding carriers) has skyrocketed from just 62 in 2015 to an estimated 869 in 2025, with projections hitting 1,271 by 2030. Osaka Gas is positioning itself not just for today’s LNG demand, but for tomorrow’s e-methane and synthetic fuel transitions, which can utilize the same bunkering infrastructure.
Technical Spotlight: The SETO AZURE
The heart of this new operation is the SETO AZURE, a state-of-the-art bunkering vessel delivered on April 9, 2026. Owned by Osaka Bay LNG Shipping Co., Ltd. (a joint venture involving Osaka Gas International Transport, NS United Tanker, and Hanshin International Port Corporation), the vessel is a marvel of specialized engineering.
| Feature | Specification |
| Gross Tonnage | Approx. 4,350 T |
| Length / Breadth | 86.29 M / 17.60 M |
| Tank System | IMO Type C Independent Tank |
| LNG Capacity | Approx. 3,610 m3 |
| Propulsion | Electric (LNG/Fuel Oil Dual-Fuel engine) |
Leadership & Corporate Profile
Osaka Gas is advancing these initiatives under its “Energy Transition 2050” plan. Led by President and CEO Masataka Fujiwara, the company is evolving from a traditional utility provider into a global leader in decarbonized marine logistics.
The partnership behind the SETO AZURE highlights a collaborative Japanese effort, bringing together the expertise of NS United Tanker and the infrastructure of Hanshin International Port Corporation to ensure the Osaka Bay region remains a competitive global shipping hub.
Source: Osaka Gas