Minami Honmoku Pier – Port of Yokohama
Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) has joined both SEA\LNG and SGMF to support and contribute to the development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. YKIP is the official managing entity of Keihin Port Complex including Yokohama port and Kawasaki port.Funded by the national government and the cities of Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP was established in January 2016. Since its establishment, YKIP has been playing an important role in terms of energizing the management of container terminals, promoting cruise business, and taking initiatives on developing LNG as a marine fuel.
SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, welcomes YKIP as its latest member. YKIP brings essential knowledge from a port’s perspective to SEA\LNG, which is working collaboratively with key players across the entire LNG value chain.
SEA\LNG and its member organisations continue to advocate for the need to collaborate, demonstrate, and communicate on key areas such as safety, regulation, emissions, and the economic case, to provide the confidence and demand required for an effective and efficient global marine LNG value chain by 2020.
SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE Inc., Peter Keller said: “Ports around the world are taking LNG seriously. As customers begin to adopt LNG as a viable, scalable solution, ports are recognising that it’s an essential part of a strong future fuel offering. Representing the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is well placed to share its learnings in relation to infrastructure development, effective port operations, and customer needs, and we know that the coalition will benefit from its perspective on unlocking the potential for LNG as a marine fuel. We welcome YKIP under the leadership of Masamichi Morooka.”
NYK Sakigake LNG-fuelled tug
Mr. Masamichi Morooka, President and CEO of Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation said: “From a geographical perspective, the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki are perfectly placed to serve as the first or last bunkering points on the Asian side of the Trans-Pacific route. Since August 2015, the port of Yokohama has accommodated an LNG-fuelled tugboat, NYK-owned Sakigake, which has provided us with LNG bunkering experience and enabled YKIP to develop its understanding of technical improvements and safety management. Working with the SEA\LNG coalition, we aim to play our part in encouraging adoption of LNG across the globe and increase awareness of the advantages for ports.”
LNG far exceeds alternative options in terms of emissions reductions. It emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter (PM). Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG can emit 90% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) and through the use of best practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, offers the potential for up to a 25% reduction in GHGs.
YKIP is the second Japanese organisation to join the SEA\LNG coalition in a matter of weeks, following the recently announced addition of Marubeni Corporation. This takes the latest membership tally to 26 and highlights the industry’s growing recognition of LNG as a cost effective, safe, and more environmentally friendly long-term fuelling solution.
Sources: SEA\LNG and YKIP
Related article:
Marubeni Joins Sea\LNG to Promote LNG as Marine Fuel
