Japan's Largest Cruise Ship Refueled with LNG in Yokohama

Japan’s Largest Cruise Ship Refueled with LNG in Yokohama

Written by Carla Teles

Published on 17/06/2025 at 19:58

Veja como o ASUKA III, o maior navio de cruzeiro do Japão, fez história com seu primeiro abastecimento de GNL no Porto de Yokohama. Um marco para a navegação sustentável. Foto: NYK Cruises

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ASUKA III Becomes The First Vessel Of Its Kind To Receive Liquefied Natural Gas In The Country, A Key Step Towards Sustainability In The Maritime Sector.

The largest cruise ship in Japan, the ASUKA III, marked a historic moment for the country’s maritime industry. Between June 10 and 11, the vessel was supplied with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at the Port of Yokohama. This was the first operation of its kind for a cruise ship in Japanese territory.

Unprecedented Operation At The Port Of Yokohama

The pioneering operation took place at the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal. According to NYK Cruises, a company of the NYK group, the refueling was a success. The operation was described as the “first” of LNG refueling for a cruise ship in the Asian country, representing a significant advancement for the sector.

Meet The ASUKA III, The Largest Cruise Ship In Japan

Owned by NYK Cruises, the ASUKA III is indeed the largest cruise ship in Japan. The vessel has a gross tonnage (dwt) of 52,200 tons, measures 230 meters in length, and 29.8 meters in width. Its construction began in Germany in the fall of 2023, and it was launched in January of this year by the Meyer Werft shipyard. The ship is also the first passenger vessel built under the supervision of the Japanese flag in the last 30 years. After being delivered in April, the ASUKA III made its first LNG refueling in Singapore at the end of May, on its way to its home port in Yokohama.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

The Truck-To-Ship Refueling Process

The method used was truck-to-ship. In this process, the largest LNG-powered cruise ship in Japan docks at a berth prepared for the operation. Fuel is then transferred from tank trucks positioned on land directly to the vessel. Over the two days, a total of four tanks were used to refuel the ASUKA III with liquefied natural gas.

A Port Aiming For Carbon Neutrality

The choice of the Port of Yokohama to refuel the largest cruise ship in Japan was not a coincidence. The location has offered LNG refueling infrastructure since 2015. In that year, the port received the Sakigake tugboat, the first LNG-powered ship in Japan. This initiative is part of the Japanese government’s vision to transform Yokohama into a carbon-neutral port, aligned with the national target of zero emissions by 2050.

The Partnership Behind Sustainable Advancement

Various participants from the maritime industry, including NYK Line and NYK Cruises, helped drive this achievement. In May 2021, units of the NYK Group, such as Ecobunker Shipping, and the city of Yokohama signed an agreement to begin LNG refueling operations. This collaboration was crucial to facilitate the current progress in alternative fuel infrastructure.

Japan’s Largest Cruise Ship Refueled with LNG in Yokohama

ASUKA III Becomes The First Vessel Of Its Kind To Receive Liquefied Natural Gas In The Country, A Key Step Towards Sustainability In The Maritime Sector.

Unprecedented Operation At The Port Of Yokohama

Meet The ASUKA III, The Largest Cruise Ship In Japan

The Truck-To-Ship Refueling Process

A Port Aiming For Carbon Neutrality

The Partnership Behind Sustainable Advancement

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Japan’s Largest Cruise Ship Refueled with LNG in Yokohama

ASUKA III Becomes The First Vessel Of Its Kind To Receive Liquefied Natural Gas In The Country, A Key Step Towards Sustainability In The Maritime Sector.

Unprecedented Operation At The Port Of Yokohama

Meet The ASUKA III, The Largest Cruise Ship In Japan

The Truck-To-Ship Refueling Process

A Port Aiming For Carbon Neutrality

The Partnership Behind Sustainable Advancement

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Australia installs giant concrete structures on the seabed 800 meters from the shore to create an ocean intake for desalination that will draw in saltwater and produce 30 million liters of drinking water per day.

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