50 years of LNG imports in Japan
Japanese gas buyers marked the 50th anniversary since the first cargo of liquefied natural gas arrived in Japan, now the world’s biggest importer of the fuel.On November 4th, 1969, LNG was first imported to Japan. Tokyo Electric Power Company (now JERA Co., Inc.) and Tokyo Gas, through Mitsubishi Corporation acting as a buyer’s agent, started receiving LNG in 1969 from the Alaska LNG Project with Phillips Petroleum (now ConocoPhillips) as a seller.Demand for LNG and natural gas is expected to further increase globally, especially in the emerging countries. The role of LNG and natural gas is expected to expand further in the next half century…
Six Suezmax Tankers Earn BV Gas-Prepared Notation
International classification society Bureau Veritas is to grant GAS-PREPARED notation to six Suezmax tankers under construction for Dynacom Tankers Management. The 157,000 dwt tankers will measure 274.3 meters in length, with a beam of 48 meters and depth of 23.2 meters. They are being built at New Times Shipbuilding in China, with delivery expected in 2017 and 2018. The GAS-PREPARED notation sets out requirements for ships which are designed and fitted out for dual-fuel or LNG fuel propulsion, but which are not initially intended to use gas as a fuel. It provides owners with the flexibility to convert easily to dual fuel or LNG fuel propulsion in the future.
Port of Antwerp to Set Up LNG Bunkering
It would be possible for barges to fill up with LNG at a permanent bunkering station in the port of Antwerp by the beginning of 2016. Truck-to-ship bunkering is already possible, but by setting up a bunkering station the port of Antwerp aims to make LNG permanently available. In comparison with the diesel fuel currently used by European barges, LNG is much cleaner and environment-friendly. Barges powered by LNG emit hardly any particulates, and NOx emissions are drastically reduced. Truck-to-ship bunkering has already been possible in the port of Antwerp since 2012: a truck collects LNG at the LNG import terminal in Zeebrugge and takes it to Antwerp. The truck then parks on the quay from where the LNG can be delivered to the barge.
