LNG powered Bulk Carrier Shoyo
The Japan-based shipping company, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), has introduced its first LNG-fueled Panamax-class bulker, the “SHOYO,” into service. The ship will primarily transport coal for Kyushu Electric Power Co.’s coal-fired power plants.
The SHOYO, registered in Japan, boasts a 95,233 deadweight tonnage (dwt) and measures 235 meters in length and 38 meters in width. The vessel was constructed at the Oshima Shipyard in Japan and commenced its service on October 2nd, following the completion of its final outfitting.
Additionally, Oshima Shipbuilding has confirmed its contract to build two more LNG-fueled coal carriers for NYK, with an anticipated completion date of 2025.
NYK has emphasized that the SHOYO can do both shore-to-ship and ship-to-ship bunkering. The vessel’s first bunkering operation took place on October 12th, employing the ship-to-shore method at the port of Tobata, Fukuoka. This marked the first-ever shore-to-ship bunkering operation for an oceangoing LNG-fueled vessel in Japan, according to NYK. Following the bunkering operation, the ship set sail from Tobata, Japan, en route to Newcastle, Australia.
From March of 2024, a newly built LNG bunkering vessel, based in the Setouchi and Kyushu area will also become available to bunker the SHOYO.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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