Well Run Plan Comes to Fruition in Japan

Japan aims to combat energy shortage with the completion of a new LNG project with assistance from global ship to ship transfer specialists SPT.

Commissioning and full cold trial LNG Ship-To-Ship Transfers have been completed successfully between the 125,000 m³ LNGC LNG Taurus, chartered by JAPEX (Japan Petroleum Exploration Co.,LTD), owned and operated by MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.), and the coastal 3,500 m³ LNGC Akebono Maru, chartered by JAPEX, owned and operated by Shinwa Chemical tankers.

The ship-to-ship transfer of LNG planned and operated by JAPEX is the first of its kind in Japan and is fully compliant with the new SIGTTO LNG STS guidelines.  SPT also added support and advice to the project when going through the approval process with the Japanese government and coastguard. This advice was important in obtaining the blessing of the government agencies, as this operation is the first of its kind to be conducted in Japanese waters.

To help with this pioneering operation, JAPEX sought the assistance of SPT, which specializes in LNG transfer and STS operations.  SPT provided the LNG STS specific technical knowledge and expertise to develop the STS system and procedures.  SPT also provided consultancy, training and commissioning services.

The project success would not have been possible without close cooperation between JAPEX, SPT, MOL and Shinwa Chemical Tankers.                                                                              

For more information, please contact:                                                                                                           
Steve Davidson
+44 (0)191 568 1820
steve.davidson@sptmts.com
www.sptmts.com