Japanese shipping company NYK Line has moved one step closer to addressing one of LNG’s most persistent environmental challenges, launching onboard trials of a methane oxidation catalyst system aboard one of its LNG bunkering vessels.
According to Ship & Bunker, the system has been installed on the LNG bunker vessel Keys Azalea, with the trial period expected to run for one year while the vessel operates under normal trading conditions, primarily in Japan’s Kyushu and Seto Inland Sea regions.
Tackling the Methane Slip Problem
Methane slip is a well-known drawback of LNG as a marine fuel. It occurs when a portion of the methane used to power LNG engines escapes unburned through the exhaust. Because methane is a potent greenhouse gas, these emissions can undermine many of the environmental advantages that LNG offers over conventional marine fuels, including reductions in CO2 and sulphur emissions.
The catalyst system being trialled works by oxidising methane in the exhaust stream before it is released into the atmosphere, as reported by Ship & Bunker, citing a statement published on NYK Line’s website.
Early Results Show Promise
Initial results from the trial appear encouraging. According to Ship & Bunker:
- Onboard measurements recorded methane oxidation rates exceeding 90% when operated as a standalone exhaust treatment unit.
- Earlier land-based engine tests achieved methane removal rates of at least 70%.
The full-scale prototype will continue to be evaluated throughout its one-year demonstration period under real-world operating conditions.
Project Partners and Vessel Details
The Keys Azalea is owned by Keys Bunkering West Japan and managed by Taiheiyo Enkai Kisen, which is part of the broader NYK Group. The research and development project is being carried out in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, and Daihatsu Infinearth, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
Does This Matter to You?
For vessel operators, charterers, and bunkering professionals with an interest in LNG as a long-term fuel strategy, this development is directly relevant. Methane slip has been a persistent criticism of LNG’s environmental credentials, particularly as the industry faces increasing regulatory scrutiny around greenhouse gas emissions.
If the catalyst system performs consistently throughout the one-year sea trial, it could represent a viable technical pathway for improving the lifecycle emissions profile of LNG-fuelled vessels. This may, in turn, influence decisions around LNG adoption, FuelEU Maritime compliance strategies, and emissions reporting under evolving IMO frameworks.
Port operators and LNG bunker suppliers may also have an interest in monitoring the outcome, as improved emission performance could strengthen the commercial case for LNG infrastructure investment.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
