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Marubeni Corporation has started a joint study with Thai state-owned oil and gas business PTT Public Company Ltd to look into refuelling ships with LNG at the port of Laem Chabang, Chonburi Province.

The joint project will assess the feasibility of performing LNG bunkering utilizing a supply ship that is compatible with an existing PTT-managed LNG receiving terminal in Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province - south of Laem Chabang.

Both Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut have been included within Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) initiative, with Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong provinces forming part of a special economic zone where infrastructure development is being strategically implemented in the country's eastern seaboard.

The Japanese government has also been keen to support the development of Thailand's infrastructure.

Marubeni has been involved in bunker fuel trading for more than 40 years, and its experience with LNG includes liquefaction projects, trading, gas-fired power projects, and LNG carrier ownership.

Marubeni also joined the LNG bunker coalition SEA\LNG earlier this year.

"Marubeni will contribute not only to lowering the environmental impact by promoting the conversion of fuel to LNG, but to infrastructure development in the EEC as well," the Japanese firm said on Wednesday.