Over two days, four tanks delivered LNG to the 230-meter-long, 29.8-meter-wide ASUKA III. This milestone represents Japan’s first LNG bunkering for a cruise ship, advancing the adoption of cleaner fuels in the maritime sector. Construction of the ASUKA III began in fall 2023 at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, with the vessel floated out in January 2025. It is the first passenger ship built under Japanese flag supervision in 30 years. After delivery in mid-April 2025 from the Dutch Port of Eemshaven, the ship stopped in Singapore in late May for its initial LNG bunkering before arriving at its home port of Yokohama.
A spokesperson for NYK Cruises stated: “This marked the first ever LNG bunkering operation involving a cruise ship in Japan, supporting our commitment to sustainable maritime operations.” The Port of Yokohama has offered LNG bunkering since 2015, when it supplied Japan’s first LNG-fueled tugboat, Sakigake. The tugboat’s successor, also named Sakigake, is the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel for commercial use, further showcasing the port’s innovation in alternative fuels.
The LNG bunkering operation aligns with Japan’s goal to transform Yokohama into a carbon-neutral port, contributing to the national target of zero emissions by 2050. NYK Group, including NYK Line and NYK Cruises, has supported these efforts, notably through a May 2021 agreement with Ecobunker Shipping and Yokohama City to establish LNG bunkering operations. This initiative reflects the maritime industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and cleaner energy solutions.
