ASUKA III Completes First Marine LNG Bunkering in Singapore
The ASUKA III, the largest Japanese-flagged cruise ship, recently achieved a significant milestone by completing its first marine LNG bunkering at the Singapore Cruise Centre. This historic event was made possible by FueLNG Private, marking Shell LNG’s inaugural supply to an LNG-powered cruise ship in the region.
Owned by NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of the renowned Japanese shipping group NYK, the ASUKA III is a state-of-the-art vessel boasting a gross tonnage of 52,200 GT. Measuring 230 meters in length and 29.8 meters in width, this newbuild has the capacity to accommodate up to 744 passengers.
The successful bunkering operation signifies a significant step towards the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels. Singapore Cruise Centre expressed its excitement for future collaborations, stating, “We look forward to many more such operations as the industry shifts towards environmentally-friendly alternatives.”
This achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of key stakeholders, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), FueLNG Private Limited, and the dedicated team at Singapore Cruise Centre.
As the demand for sustainable fuel options continues to rise within the maritime sector, the ASUKA III’s milestone serves as a testament to the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions and embracing greener practices. With LNG emerging as a viable alternative for powering vessels, the successful bunkering of ASUKA III sets a positive precedent for future LNG-powered ships in the region.
By leveraging LNG as a marine fuel, the ASUKA III and other LNG-powered vessels are not only reducing their environmental impact but also setting new standards for sustainability within the cruise industry. As the maritime sector embraces cleaner energy sources, collaborations such as the recent bunkering operation at the Singapore Cruise Centre pave the way for a more eco-conscious future.