Japan launches the first dual-fuel LNG bunker tanker

The Keys Azalea is set to make history as the first ship specifically designed for bunkering of ocean-going vessels and LNG shore transport in western Japan. With a cargo capacity of 3,500 cubic meters of LNG, the vessel measures 82.30 meters in length and weighs approximately 4,850 gross register tons. Anticipated to be completed by March 2024, the Keys Azalea will significantly expand LNG capacity in the Kyushu-Setouchi area of western Japan, serving key ports like Hirado, Hiroshima, and Okayama. This groundbreaking project marks Japan’s inaugural venture into LNG bunkering, aimed at supplying LNG to ships in the region.

Constructed for Keys Bunkering West Japan, the Keys Azalea is part of a joint venture established in February 2022. The joint venture’s objective is to supply LNG fuel for ships and manage a coastal transport company. This initiative aligns with the Japanese government’s broader efforts to promote decarbonization within the shipping industry, emphasizing the increased use of LNG and the development of alternative fuels.

With its delivery, the Keys Azalea represents a significant milestone in Japan’s pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly maritime operations. Through the integration of LNG bunkering capabilities and the ongoing development of alternative fuels, the country aims to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry and contribute to global decarbonization efforts. The launch of the Keys Azalea reinforces western Japan’s position as a crucial hub for LNG transport and highlights the region’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices. As the first of its kind in this region, the Keys Azalea sets a precedent for the future of LNG bunkering and maritime transportation in Japan and beyond.

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