On October 21, KEYS Azalea, an LNG bunkering vessel owned and operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd. ("KEYS")¹, completed its 100th LNG fuel supply by bunkering the bulk carrier SG Dawn, operated by NYK Line.

 

Since conducting its first ship-to-ship² LNG bunkering operation in western Japan in April 2024, KEYS Azalea has supplied LNG fuel to a wide range of LNG-fueled vessels, including car carriers, bulk carriers transporting iron ore and coal, and cruise ships.

 

Assuming all LNG supplied to date has been used as a substitute for the heavy fuel oil (HFO) traditionally used in marine transportation, the CO₂ emissions reduction is estimated to be approximately 75,000 tonnes, based on an equivalent energy input comparison³.

 

KEYS will continue to provide safe and reliable LNG bunkering services and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society and the development of Japan’s LNG bunkering industry.

¹ KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd.

Headquarters: Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

Representative: Kenichi Kawamoto

Business: Sales of LNG fuel; ownership and operation of an LNG bunkering vessel

Shareholders: Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. 40%; NYK Line 40%; ITOCHU ENEX CO., LTD. 15%; Saibu Gas Co., Ltd. 5%

 

² Ship-to-ship

A method of supplying LNG fuel, by directly connecting a hose from the bunkering vessel to the receiving vessel. 

 

³ Estimated CO₂ Emissions Reduction

The CO₂ emissions reduction was calculated by KEYS using the lower heating values and CO₂ emission factors for different fuels specified in IMO “Resolution MEPC.364(79),” assuming that LNG replaced HFO on an equivalent energy basis.

The CO₂ emissions reduction of approximately 75,000 tonnes is equivalent to the annual CO₂ emissions of approximately 30,000

households.

(Source: Ministry of the Environment, Japan, “FY2023 Survey on Actual Conditions of CO₂ Emissions from the Residential Sector”)