Osaka Gas has started ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Japan, giving the company the capability across the three main marine fuel supply methods.

The first ship-to-ship delivery took place on 21 April, when the LNG bunkering vessel Seto Azure supplied fuel to a dual-fuel Capesize bulk carrier at JFE Steel Corporation’s West Japan Works in the Fukuyama district of Hiroshima.

With the move, Osaka Gas now offers ship-to-ship, truck-to-ship and port-to-ship supply options.

The company said the new method will allow it to provide more flexible and stable bunkering by matching delivery arrangements to vessel location and operating conditions.

Seto Azure, owned by Osaka Bay LNG Shipping Co., Ltd., an affiliated company of Osaka Gas, was delivered on 9 April and will mainly operate in the Osaka Bay and Setouchi areas.

The newly built vessel can load liquefied gas at its Senboku terminal in Osaka and Himeji terminal in Hyogo, helping strengthen supply reliability and operational resilience.

Osaka Gas is a Japanese energy company supplying gas and electricity and developing related businesses. Under its Energy Transition 2050 plan, it is expanding marine fuel services and promoting e-methane.