JAPEX utilizes various LNG transportation and supply methods, including a satellite the LNG system for trucking, rail transport of LNG tank containers , and LNG bunkering for marine fuel.

Related

• Domestic Natural gas Supply Network
• About Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

LNG Satellite System

The LNG Satellite System is a method to transport LNG in liquid form to areas lacking for pipeline access.

JAPEX provides LNG satellite services utilizing LNG tank trucks to the Hokkaido and Tohoku region.

Transportation by LNG Tank Trucks

JAPEX transports LNG using dedicated LNG tank trucks.

These trucks, with capacities ranging from 14.0 to 15.7 tons, load liquefied LNG at our Japanese supply based, including the Soma LNG Terminal and the Yufutsu LNG Plant, and deliver them to our customers.

In the Tohoku region, JAPEX ensures a stable LNG supply by maintaining a backup system at two bases: the Niigata LNG Terminal on the Sea of Japan side and Soma LNG Terminal on the Pacific side.

LNG shipping facility for tank trucks at Soma LNG Terminal

Transportation by LNG Tank Containers by Rail

"LNG tank container transport by rail is a method utilizing LNG tank containers as railway cargos. These containers are transported Upon arrival at the destination freight station, the containers are delivered to clients by dedicated tank trucks.

Rail transport of LNG tank containers offers several advantages, including suitability for long-distance and reduced  CO₂ emissions.

JAPEX pioneered this method as a breakthrough solution for transport LNG in tank containers by rail, commercially implementing it within Japan's domestic natural gas supply network in 2001-a first for the country We have a proven operational track records in Hokkaido and Hokuriku, and are actively responding to international interests in this  solution.

Loading of LNG tank containers at a freight train station

LNG Bunkering

LNG bunkering is a method of LNG supply as liquid form to a LNG fueled ship directly. The origin of the expression is the combination of two words, "LNG," which is the abbreviation of liquefied natural gas, and "bunkering," which means the supply of fuel to a berthing ship by a specialized ship called "bunker ship." LNG bunkering is one of the noted methods required for responding to the global environmental initiatives of marine fuels.

LNG bunkering has several supply methods, such as Truck-to-Ship, which supplies by connecting LNG tank trucks on shore, and Ship-to-Ship, which supplies LNG fuel by a supply ship called "bunkering ship."

Efforts by JAPEX

JAPEX has been making efforts to expand LNG supply for LNG-fueled ships. As one of the efforts, we are considering the early implementation of LNG bunkering supplying from our domestic LNG supply locations, mainly by Truck-to-Ship and Ship-to-Ship methods.

Efforts at Tomakomai Area, Hokkaido

JAPEX has participated in a study and trial with the port authorities and related companies surrounding Tomakomai Port, aiming the contribution to realize LNG bunkering at the Tomakomai Port, with utilizing our LNG supply facilities in the port.

• LNG Bunkering Trial at Tomakomai Port (2022, held with Tomakomai Port Authority): Had a trial to supply LNG as fuel to a LNG-fueled tugboat "Ishin" by Truck-to-Ship method.
• Tomakomai Port LNG Bunkering Study Group (2019-2020, hosted by Tomakomai Port Authority and organized by JAPEX): Had a study group that participated in local and port officials and private companies to identify the issues for each implementation method of LNG bunkering, examine their solutions, and confirm applicable laws and regulations.

In winter of 2011-2012, we held a LNG direct transfer by Ship-to-Ship method from an ocean-going LNG carrier to our chartered coastal LNG vessel at offshore Tomakomi Port, to receive LNG for our commercial use. We have been utilizing obtained knowledge and experience in this time for our LNG bunkering business.

Ship-to-Ship LNG transfer at offshore Tomakomai Port

Related News

• • Press Release on September 30, 2021: Construction of a Coastal Limestone Carrier with a Hybrid Propulsion System using a Gas-Only Engine and a Battery
  (LNG fuel supply by JAPEX will be conducted)

Our LNG Related Business

JAPEX has participated in LNG-fueled power generation projects.

• LNG procurement: Procuring LNG for our own gas business and fuel of power generation
• Natural gas power generation: Participating in an LNG-fueled power generation project (through investment in Fukushima Gas Power Co., Ltd.)

Related

• Natural gas/LNG supplied by JAPEX
• Solutions provided by JAPEX
• Soma LNG Terminal
• Hokkaido LNG Plant
• Fukushima Natural Gas Power Plant