SEA\LNG strengthen’s port knowledge with addition of new member, YKIP
SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, has announced Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) as its latest member. Representing the Japanese ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP brings essential knowledge from a port’s perspective to SEA\LNG, which is working collaboratively with key players across the entire LNG value chain.
SEA\LNG and its member organisations continue to advocate for the need to collaborate, demonstrate, and communicate on key areas such as safety, regulation, emissions, and the economic case, to provide the confidence and demand required for an effective and efficient global marine LNG value chain by 2020.
SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE Inc., Peter Keller said: “Ports around the world are taking LNG seriously. As customers begin to adopt LNG as a viable, scalable solution, ports are recognising that it’s an essential part of a strong future fuel offering. Representing the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is well placed to share its learnings in relation to infrastructure development, effective port operations, and customer needs, and we know that the coalition will benefit from its perspective on unlocking the potential for LNG as a marine fuel. We welcome YKIP under the leadership of Masamichi Morooka.”
Designated by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) as the official operating company for the Keihin ports serving Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is tasked with the management of integrated operations at container terminals in the Yokohama and Kawasaki area. As such, YKIP is committed to strengthening the international competitiveness of the Yokohama and Kawasaki ports, performing a central role in the effort to restore the prominence of Japan’s seaports. Japan is the world’s biggest importer of LNG, with 35 regasification terminals. In 2016, it accounted for about 34% of global imports, representing some 86 million tonnes of LNG. As such, Japan, is well placed in terms of both infrastructure and supply to become a major LNG bunkering ‘hub’.
Mr. Masamichi Morooka, President and CEO of Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation said: “From a geographical perspective, the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki are perfectly placed to serve as the first or last bunkering points on the Asian side of the Trans-Pacific route. Since August 2015, the port of Yokohama has accommodated an LNG-fuelled tugboat, NYK-owned Sakigake, which has provided us with LNG bunkering experience and enabled YKIP to develop its understanding of technical improvements and safety management. Working with the SEA\LNG coalition, we aim to play our part in encouraging adoption of LNG across the globe and increase awareness of the advantages for ports.”
LNG far exceeds alternative options in terms of emissions reductions. It emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter (PM). Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG can emit 90% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) and through the use of best practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, offers the potential for up to a 25% reduction in GHGs.
YKIP is the second Japanese organisation to join the SEA\LNG coalition in a matter of weeks, following the recently announced addition of Marubeni Corporation. This takes the latest membership tally to 26 and highlights the industry’s growing recognition of LNG as a cost effective, safe, and more environmentally friendly long-term fuelling solution.
SEA\LNG brings together key players from across the supply chain, including shipping companies, classification societies, ports, major LNG suppliers, downstream companies, infrastructure providers and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to address market barriers and transform the use of LNG as a marine fuel.
SEA\LNG is a not for profit collaborative industry foundation serving the needs of its member organisations. SEA\LNG’s members include: ABS, Bureau Veritas, Carnival Corporation & plc, Clean Marine Energy, DNV GL, Eagle LNG Partners, ENGIE, ENN Group, Gas Natural Fenosa, GE, GTT, JAX LNG, Keppel Gas Technology, Lloyd’s Register, Marubeni Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, NYK Line, Petronet LNG, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell, Total, TOTE Inc., Toyota Tsusho, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP), and Wärtsilä.
SEA\LNG is guided by a board, which is led by Chairman Peter Keller. Each member organisation commits mutually agreed human resources, data analysis and knowledge sharing in support of SEA\LNG initiatives and activities and financially contributes via a membership fee.
The SEA\LNG coalition was established by Xynteo, a platform for galvanising leaders and catalysing ideas – and fusing them into new projects, for new growth.
Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) is the official managing entity of Keihin Port Complex including Yokohama port and Kawasaki port, funded by the national government and the cities of Yokohama and Kawasaki, established in January 2016.
Officially, in March of 2016, YKIP was appointed as an International Strategic Hubs (ICHs) of Japan, under a national policy promoted by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Since its establishment, YKIP has been playing an important role in terms of energizing the management of container terminals, promoting cruise business, and taking initiatives on developing LNG as a marine fuel.
Despite of its public background, YKIP is however led by Mr. Masamichi Morooka, who is from private sector. Mr. Morooka has been spending his entire career contributing to the international shipping and logistics industry, He serves as the President and CEO since day one, with more than four decades experience with NYK Group as well as four years serving as Chairman of International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
