Japan proves STS for LNG

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co Ltd (Japex) is aiming to improve the coastal distribution of LNG on a small scale throughout Japan, as a means of combating energy shortages in small communities. As part of that ambition, it needed to prove the viability of ship-to-ship transfers of LNG.

A commissioning and full cold trial was carried out late last year with the assistance of the Teekay/IM Skaugen joint venture SPT, which is a specialist in lightering and ship-to-ship transfer operations. The transfer was carried out in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) and under the approval of the Japanese government and coastguard. This was the first LNG ship-to-ship transfer ever undertaken in Japanese waters.

The trial transfer involved LNG being offloaded from Mitsui OSK Lines’ 125,000 m³ LNG carrier LNG Taurus to the 3,500 m³ coastal LNG tanker Akebono Maru, owned and operated by Shinwa Chemical Tankers. Both vessels are under charter to Japex.

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