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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.

In a statement, SEA\LNG said YKIP - which represents the Japanese ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki - would bring "essential knowledge from a port's perspective" to the coalition.

SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE Inc., Peter Keller, remarked: "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."

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.

Japan is the world's biggest importer of LNG, with 35 regasification terminals. In 2016, it accounted for approximately 34 percent of global LNG imports, representing some 86 million tonnes of LNG. As such, Japan, looks well placed in terms of both infrastructure and supply to become a key LNG bunkering hub.

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."

YKIP is the second Japanese organisation to join the SEA\LNG coalition in a matter of weeks, following the recent addition of Marubeni Corporation. It takes the latest membership tally to 26.