Osaka Gas to start LNG bunkering ops at Osaka Bay

Japan’s Osaka Gas will launch a commercial LNG bunkering business for ships using the ship-to-ship method in the Osaka Bay/Setouchi area, it announced on June 27.

Osaka Gas International Transport Co. (OGIT), NS United Tanker (NSUT), and Hanshin International Port (HPC) - all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Osaka Gas - have been selected for the 2023 LNG bunkering base formation project by Japan’s ministry of transport.

Osaka Wan LNG Shipping, a joint venture established by the three companies, will apply for a subsidy and subsequently build the bunkering vessel under the subsidised project. The vessel will be owned by OLS, with NSUT managing its operation. HPC, as the port management company of Hanshin Port, plans to collaborate with the government and port officials to attract ships and promote the adoption of LNG fuel for ships.

As part of the global movement toward decarbonisation, the International Maritime Organisation has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 50% compared to 2008 levels by 2050. To achieve this goal, Osaka Gas said, the use of LNG as a ship fuel is expected to increase. In the future, Osaka Gas aims to replace LNG with e-methane to further contribute to the decarbonisation of ship fuel.