Japan-based Marubeni is the latest organisation to support the uptake of LNG as a marine fuel

SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, today announced that it has welcomed Japan-based Marubeni to its expanding membership. With the addition of Marubeni, the SEA\LNG coalition bolsters its efforts to drive forward LNG as a marine fuel, and to progress its vital role as a viable solution in the energy transition within shipping.

Since its launch in July 2016, SEA\LNG’s membership has quickly grown from 13 to 25 members, clearly indicating the industry’s attention to LNG as a cost effective, safe and more environmentally friendly long term fuelling solution. In this short time, the Coalition has established itself as a key voice for maritime LNG development. The coalition continues to voice its views on the need to work collaboratively with key players across the entire LNG value chain, including shipping companies, LNG suppliers, infrastructure providers, classification societies, downstream companies, major ports, and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to break down the barriers to LNG uptake ahead of the global sulphur cap from 2020.

SEA\LNG strengthens its coalition with the addition of MARUBENI Corporation
Image courtesy of SEA\LNG

SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE Inc., Peter Keller said: “Marubeni has a great wealth and breadth of expertise in relation to LNG and we welcome their knowledge as we continue to support the energy transition in shipping. SEA\LNG will continue to unite organisations that work together to address market barriers to LNG uptake, and to help transform the use of LNG as a marine fuel into a global reality.”

Founded over 150 years ago, Marubeni Corporation has extensive knowledge and experience of importing and exporting products, providing services and business investments for a broad range of sectors, including energy, chemicals, as well as power, logistics, and infrastructure projects. The company has been involved in LNG industries by equity participation in liquefaction projects, trading, gas-fired power projects, and owning LNG carriers. The company also has a history of bunker fuel trading for more than 40 years.

Akihiko Sagara, Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Energy Division, Marubeni Corporation said: “Although our company has expertise in multiple sectors, we view LNG as a core business field within our multifaceted service offering. By embracing collaboration with stakeholders in related industries, we remain committed to safeguarding the global environment in which we operate, and are privileged to be partnering with a likeminded organisation. Together with our partners, we look forward to collaboratively working towards a cleaner, more efficient shipping environment.”

LNG far exceeds alternative options in terms of emissions reductions. It emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter (PM). Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG can emit 90% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) and through the use of best practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, offers the potential for up to a 25% reduction in GHGs.

SEA\LNG and its member organisations continue to advocate for the need to collaborate, demonstrate, and communicate on key areas such as safety, regulation, emissions, and the economic case, to provide the confidence and demand required for an effective and efficient global LNG value chain by 2020.

Source: SEA/LNG