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Astomos Energy Corporation (Astomos) and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further study the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a bunker fuel.

The two companies have agreed to share and research information as part of a plan to collaborate in projects relating to LPG-fuelled ships, developing supply sites for the delivery of LPG to vessels and other fields linked to LPG bunkering.

Last month, Bunker Index reported that Astomos and Australian LPG marketer Elgas had signed an MoU as part of a plan to work together on LPG bunkering projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

Also this year, Astomos and Statoil signed an MoU to look into projects relating to the use of LPG as a marine fuel. Both firms will be sharing information and carrying out research into LPG bunkering initiatives - including LPG-fuelled vessels and the development of global supply sites for the supply of LPG as a fuel to ships.

Tokyo-headquartered Astomos operates more than 20 LPG vessels and is involved in LPG trading, import and distribution. It is jointly owned by Idemitsu Kosan (51 percent) and Mitsubishi Corporation (49 percent).