Global transportation company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. and Saibu Gas Co., Ltd., both located in Fukuoka, and The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. of Hiroshima for joint discussions on the commercialization of a new business to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel to ships in the Setouchi and Kyushu areas of western Japan.
The demand for LNG as a marine fuel, a practical alternative to heavy fuel oil because of its relatively low emission of air polluting substances and greenhouse gases, is expected to increase after the IMO’s global 0.5 percent sulphur cap comes into force in 2020. Therefore, NYK and the three companies have decided to examine the commercialization of an LNG bunkering business in the Setouchi and Kyushu areas of western Japan.
Compared to heavy fuel oil, the use of LNG can reduce emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) by approximately 100 percent, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by as much as 80 percent, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by approximately 30 percent.
NYK
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