Japan successfully completed its first-ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering operation for a cruise ship on July 14, 2025. This significant milestone for the nation’s maritime decarbonization efforts took place at Chuo Wharf in Hakata Port.
Japan’s First LNG Bunkering for a Cruise Ship
On July 14, 2025, the KEYS Azalea, an LNG bunkering vessel owned and operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd., refueled the cruise ship ASUKA III at Chuo Wharf in Hakata Port using the ship-to-ship method. This marks a dual milestone: it’s the first time KEYS Azalea has supplied LNG fuel to a cruise ship, and it’s also the first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation for a cruise ship ever conducted in Japan.
Previously, the KEYS Azalea had exclusively provided LNG fuel to car carriers and bulk carriers transporting iron ore and coal. The successful bunkering of a cruise ship highlights the expanding capability and growing infrastructure for alternative marine fuels in Japan.
The ship-to-ship bunkering technique involves directly connecting a hose from the LNG bunkering vessel to the receiving vessel, ensuring a safe and efficient transfer of fuel.
ASUKA III: A Tri-Fuel Cruise Vessel
The ASUKA III, operated by NYK Line, is a state-of-the-art cruise vessel equipped with engines capable of running on three different types of fuel, including LNG. This tri-fuel capability underscores the maritime industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and adopting cleaner energy solutions. The vessel also features a dynamic positioning system and shore power reception capabilities, further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials.
KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd. and Future Goals
KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd., based in Kitakyushu City, is a joint venture dedicated to the sales of LNG fuel and the ownership of LNG bunkering vessels. Its ownership is shared by:
- Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (40%)
- NYK Line (40%)
- ITOCHU ENEX CO., LTD. (15%)
- Saibu Gas Co., Ltd. (5%)
The company affirmed its commitment to continue delivering safe and stable LNG bunkering services. Its overarching goal is to support the broader expansion of LNG fuel usage across the Japanese maritime sector and contribute to building a carbon-neutral society in Japan. This pioneering operation with the ASUKA III is a significant step towards achieving that vision.
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Source: Marine Insight
