NYK Joins Study for LNG Bunkering in Yokohama
NYK is participating in a study launched by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to explore the feasibility of LNG bunkering in Yokohama. This study is examining the technological and infrastructural requirements for establishment of an LNG bunkering hub at the port of Yokohama to supply LNG as fuel to ships. A kick-off meeting of the study’s steering committee was held on June 9 for the creation of a facility development plan by the end of the year. In accordance with the NYK Group’s medium-term management plan, “More Than Shipping 2018,” NYK has started the process of using LNG to fuel some ships. In August 2015, the company received delivery of Japan's first LNG-fueled tugboat named “Sakigake”.
NYK Conducts Crisis-response Drill on VLCC
On October 15 as part of the company’s Remember Naka-no-Se Campaign,* NYK conducted a crisis-response drill based on the scenario of a serious accident occurring on an NYK-owned VLCC (very large crude-oil carrier). Cooperation from the Maritime Bureau within Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), in addition to the Japan Coast Guard and the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center, enabled this drill to be realistic and practical. During the drill, NYK’s crisis-management headquarters simulated a press conference and timely press releases, and reconfirmed the importance of immediate and correct information disclosure to the public. A summary of the drill is provided below. A blackout occurred on a VLCC while the ship was sailing in Tokyo Bay.
Connaughton Leads Delegation of U.S. Maritime Officials in Tokyo
On July 24 and 25, Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton led a delegation of U.S. maritime officials in meetings in Tokyo with Japanese counterparts to discuss issues of mutual interest and challenges facing the maritime industry, both around the world and in the bilateral trade. The talks reflected the major concern of both countries about the impact on the shipping sector of the rapidly expanding consumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) around the world. With the surge of new specialized vessels to carry LNG entering service, the demand for qualified seafarers is becoming urgent.
