KEYS Azalea reaches LNG bunkering milestone in Japan
The LNG bunkering vessel KEYS Azalea has completed its 100th liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel supply operation, marking a milestone in the development of marine LNG bunkering services in western Japan.
The milestone was reached on October 21, when the vessel supplied LNG fuel to SG Dawn, a bulk carrier operated by NYK Line. The operation was announced jointly by Kyushu Electric Power, NYK Line, ITOCHU ENEX, Saibu Gas and KEYS Bunkering West Japan.
Owned and operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan, KEYS Azalea began ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations in April 2024. Since then, the vessel has supplied LNG fuel to several types of LNG-powered ships, including car carriers, bulk carriers transporting iron ore and coal, and cruise ships.
The latest operation reflects the continued use of dedicated LNG bunkering vessels to support ships operating on alternative marine fuels in Japanese waters.
Japan’s LNG bunkering network expands
The milestone forms part of NYK Group’s ongoing development of LNG bunkering infrastructure in Japan, supported by two dedicated vessels operating in different regions of the country.
While KEYS Azalea provides LNG bunkering services in western Japan, Kaguya operates in Ise Bay in eastern Japan.
On September 30, 2026, Kaguya completed its 200th LNG bunkering operation. Together, the milestones demonstrate the operational activity of the two vessels supporting LNG-fuelled shipping across Japan.
The use of dedicated bunkering vessels enables LNG to be transferred directly to receiving ships through ship-to-ship operations. This involves connecting a transfer hose between the bunkering vessel and the ship receiving fuel.
The availability of such services supports the operation of LNG-fuelled vessels, including those engaged in bulk shipping, vehicle transportation and passenger services.
KEYS Bunkering West Japan is headquartered in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. Its shareholders are Kyushu Electric Power and NYK Line, each holding 40%, ITOCHU ENEX with 15%, and Saibu Gas with 5%.
Estimated emissions benefits from LNG fuel supply
According to the companies, the LNG supplied by KEYS Azalea since the start of its operations represents an estimated reduction of approximately 75,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions compared with the use of conventional heavy fuel oil (HFO).
The estimate assumes that all LNG supplied by the vessel was used to replace HFO on an equivalent energy basis.
KEYS calculated the figure using lower heating values and fuel-specific CO₂ emission factors established under International Maritime Organization Resolution MEPC.364(79).
The estimate therefore represents a comparison of fuel-related CO₂ emissions under the stated assumptions, rather than a direct measurement of the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the vessels supplied.
The companies said they intend to continue providing LNG bunkering services while supporting the development of Japan’s marine LNG fuel supply infrastructure.
The completion of the 100th bunkering operation by KEYS Azalea, alongside the earlier milestone achieved by Kaguya, provides a further indication of the operational role of dedicated LNG bunkering vessels in Japan’s maritime fuel supply network.
