Japanese duo join SEALNG

Two Japanese companies “K” Line Group and Uyeno Group have joined SEALNG, the industry coalition aiming to boost adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel.

SEALNG said in a statement it sees Japan as growing in importance as a location for LNG-fueled shipping and bunkering.

Its other Japanese members include Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP), Marubeni, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., NYK Line, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and Sumitomo Corporation.

Satoshi Kanamori, general manager of liquefied gas new business group, “K” Line said the company expects long-term global demand for LNG to grow as a “clean energy resource.”

“K” Line launched in April 2017 a new business division devoted to the transportation of LNG and LPG.

“In addition to conventional LNG transport operation, our new division will also spearhead efforts to enter new business fields, such as floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) which can cope with the needs of emerging economies that require shorter lead times,” Kanamori said.

“Working with SEALNG, we hope to collaborate with organizations from across the LNG value chain to improve bunkering infrastructure and stimulate demand for LNG across the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond,” he said.

Kazutoshi Takao, executive managing officer, Uyeno Group, said: “As attitudes and regulations surrounding the marine and energy sectors transform with the times, Uyeno Group is diversifying its business offering into the clean energy business. We have a sound reputation in the safe and efficient storage and transportation of gas and petrochemical products; we look forward to engaging with Japan’s growing LNG market and leveraging our decades of experience to further SEALNG’s global mission.”