ASUKA III, the largest cruise ship sailing under the Japanese flag, has successfully completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at the Singapore Cruise Centre. The bunkering was carried out by FueLNG Private Limited and represents a significant milestone for both the vessel and the region.
According to the Singapore Cruise Centre, this event also marks Shell’s first LNG supply to a cruise ship in the region, underlining the expansion of green maritime infrastructure in Southeast Asia.
Owned by NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of Japan’s NYK Line, the ASUKA III has a gross tonnage of 52,200, measures 230 meters in length and 29.8 meters in beam, and can accommodate up to 744 passengers.
Officials from the Singapore Cruise Centre expressed optimism that such operations will become increasingly common as the cruise industry transitions toward more sustainable and cleaner fuels.
“This achievement was made possible through strong partnerships with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), FueLNG Private Limited, and our dedicated team at the Singapore Cruise Centre,” the centre said in a statement.
The successful bunkering of ASUKA III highlights Singapore’s growing role as a regional hub for environmentally responsible shipping, and showcases the cruise industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
