NYK to build LNG fueled tug

DECEMBER 24, 2013 —— Japan’s NYK Line is to build a dual-fueled tugboat that will be the first LNG fueled vessel, other than LNG tankers, to be built in Japan.

In 2011, NYK established a team in its Fuel Group to research next-generation fuel alternatives to heavy oil and looked into building an LNG fueled vessel with the cooperation of ClassNK and others, based on the results of a survey conducted by the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency.

The tugboat project will be subsidized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. will supply the LNG, and with the support of Tokyo Gas, NYK will make arrangements for a safe LNG supply system.