Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has participated in the first LNG bunkering in the Japanese port of Kobe, it was confirmed Wednesday.

The trial was carried out using MOL’s newbuilding tug Ishin and organized by the Kobe City Port and Harbor Authority.

“This marks the first LNG bunkering in the Port of Kobe, and the successful trial confirmed that LNG fuel can be effectively supplied safely at the port,” MOL said.

LNG fuel for the trial was sourced from Osaka Gas’ Himeji LNG Plant in the Hyogo Prefecture and transport to the port via truck.

“In response to the new IMO 2020 standards, an increasing number of LNG-fueled vessels are coming into service, making the development of LNG bunkering ports in Japan an urgent task,” MOL said.

“MOL Group companies are working together to promote the wider adoption of LNG fuel for vessels and reduce the environmental impact.”

MOL established a Bunker Business Office to accelerate its initiatives on LNG and other alternative vessel fuels in February 2017.

The dual-fuel Ishin (built 2019) was built by Japan’s Kanagawa Dockyard and is the first LNG-fueled tugboat in western Japan.

The tug, which is operated by MOL subsidiary Nihon Tug-Boat Co, has already undergone an LNG refueling at Sakai Senboku Port.

The Ishin is powered by two 6EY26DF dual-fuel commercial marine engines manufactured by Yanmar and features a removable LNG fuel tank mounted on the exposed deck at the stern of the ship.