Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP), representing the Japanese ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, joined SEALNG, the industry coalition promoting the use of LNG as a marine fuel.
It is the second Japanese organization to join the SEALNG coalition after Marubeni Corporation joined in May.
SEALNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE, Peter Keller said, “Ports around the world are taking LNG seriously. As customers begin to adopt LNG as a viable, scalable solution, ports are recognizing that it’s an essential part of a strong future fuel offering.”
Designated by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) as the official operating company for the Keihin ports serving Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is tasked with the management of integrated operations at container terminals in the Yokohama and Kawasaki area.
Masamichi Morooka , president and CEO of Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation said that “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.”
He added that the LNG-fueled tug Sakigake has been operating in the port of Yokohama since August 2015 which enabled YKIP to gather an understanding of technical improvements and safety management.
With the addition of YKIP, the SEALNG coalition now includes 26 members encouraging the adoption of LNG as marine fuel.