Japan’s Astomos adds LPG-fuelled VLGC to fleet

Japanese LPG importer Astomos Energy has commissioned a very large gas carrier (VLGC) with a dual-fuel LPG engine, adding to its existing fleet of 26.

Astomos on 4 September commissioned the 86,953m³ Liverty Pathfinder, which was built by shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries at its Sakaide shipyard in southwest Japan's Kagawa prefecture and is co-owned by shipping firm NYK. The VLGC is the fourth co-owned vessel with NYK, adding to Gas Capricorn in 2003, Gas Garnet and Gas Amethyst in 2024.

The VLGC can use LPG as a bunker fuel from a cargo tank. It is possible to reduce more than 95pc of sulphur oxide and more than 20pc of carbon dioxide emissions when the vessel uses LPG as a marine fuel compared with conventional fuel oil, Astomos said.

Japan currently imports 10mn t/yr of LPG to cover 12mn t/yr of domestic demand, according to the Japan LP Gas Association.

By Reina Maeda