Thai LNG bunkering project to address demand

Marubeni Corporation and PTT Public Company Limited, Thailand`s national petroleum and petrochemical company, said they are conducting the study because they expect LNG fuelled ships to increase in the run up to tighter environmental regulations in 2020.

At Laem Chabang Port, where more than 8,000 ships arrive and leave annually, a third expansion plan is being implemented with the demand for LNG bunkering expected to grow due to increased exports being processed through the port.

Fuel supply

This joint study will verify the feasibility of an LNG bunkering project that utilises a fuel supply ship that is compatible with an existing PTT managed LNG receiving terminal in Map Ta Phut, located in Rayong, approximately 200km southeast of Bangkok. This area is also known as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Thailand is creating a special economic zone in this area where infrastructure development is being strategically implemented. The Japanese government is expressing its support and contributing to infrastructure development in the area to help bolster Thailand’s industrial development.

Marubeni said in a statement that this feasibility project will contribute not only to lowering the environmental impact by promoting the conversion of fuel to LNG, but to infrastructure development in the EEC as well.