The world’s first LNG-fuelled Panamax bulk carrier has started operating. The coal carrier, owned by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and on charter to Kyushu Electric Power (Kyuden), was built at Oshima Shipyard and is called Shoyo. The ship’s first LNG bunkering took place on October 12, 2023.

Peter Keller, Chairman of the gas fuel lobby group SEA-LNG said that green fuel solutions will be a gradual process with developments in phases with fuel production, transportation, storage, infrastructure and technology. He also said that LNG is the best alternative today for vessels and methanol is catching up as the second-best alternative.