On April 21, 2025, Osaka Gas officially launched Japan’s first LNG shore-to-ship bunkering service, initiating the operation by fueling the bulk carrier Verde Heraldo at the Senboku LNG terminal in Takaishi City, Osaka Prefecture.
The Verde Heraldo, operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, transports raw materials for JFE Steel Corporation. Built in 2024 and registered in Liberia, the vessel is 299 meters long, 50 meters wide, and has a gross tonnage of 111,000 tons.
This new service marks a significant expansion of eco-friendly marine fueling options in Japan. Prior to this, Osaka Gas had been offering truck-to-ship LNG bunkering since 2019. Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce ship-to-ship bunkering services starting from the 2026 fiscal year, supported by a newly built 1,500-ton capacity bunkering vessel under construction at Shitanoe Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Oita Prefecture.
The adoption of LNG as a marine fuel is gaining momentum in Japan due to limited infrastructure and strong commitments to carbon neutrality. This initiative also aligns with international trends: the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2008 levels by 2050.
As part of its broader decarbonization strategy, Osaka Gas is also exploring the production of synthetic or e-methane — a chemically identical alternative to LNG that offers a lower carbon footprint.
