Keys Bunkering names LNG bunkering vessel in Japan

Keys Bunkering West Japan Corporation, a joint venture of Kyushu Electric Power Co., NYK Line, Itochu Enex and Saibu Gas, on July 12 held a ceremony to launch and name an LNG bunkering vessel, the companies said in a joint statement.

The vessel is currently being constructed at Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works' Enoura plant, which is owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The event was attended by representatives from the joint venture parties, as well as officials from Japan's ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, the Japan Coast Guard, and the cities of Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki, among others. The vessel was named Keys Azalea after the azalea, the official flower of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, where Keya is headquartered.

Upon its delivery in March 2024, the vessel will be engaged in LNG coastal transportation and LNG bunkering services for oceangoing vessels visiting ports in the Kyushu-Setouchi area. This project represents Japan's first LNG bunkering initiative to supply LNG to ships across the Kyushu and Setouchi region.

Keys Azalea will feature a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on both LNG and fuel oil.