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MOL tugboat carries out first LNG bunkering

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Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has carried out a test operation of the first bunkering of LNG fuel with LNG-powered tugboat Ishin in Japan’s Sakai Senboku port in the Kansai region.

The tugboat Ishin was ordered by MOL from Kanagawa Dockyard and the LNG fuel was supplied by Osaka Gas using truck-to-ship LNG bunkering procedure.

After this test operation, Ishin is slated for delivery in late-February and will start commercial operation in April as the first LNG-fuelled tugboat serving Osaka Bay. Ishin will be operated by Nihon Tug-Boat Co.

MOL said it has been working closely with Osaka Prefecture Port and Habor Bureau and Osaka Gas to develop a LNG fuel supply system for ships in Sakai Senboku Port, through the development of Ishin.

Ishin has been tested for environmental performance, reaping an estimated 25% reduction of CO2 emissions compared to tugs that run on heavy fuel oil.

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