Japan is planning radical measures to increase the availability of jet fuel amid a shortage.
Vessels could be converted into product tankers and a new clean carrier could be ordered, it has been reported.
Shipbroker BRS said high demand and refinery maintenance have left the country short of fuel for planes.
In response, Japan has allowed refineries to increase production capacity until September.
And for the first time, Narita International Airport will directly import jet fuel cargoes.
S&P Global reported that three clean product tankers will be secured as quickly as possible for the business.
Two of these will be converted “ocean liners” that will become Japan-flagged coastal vessels by the end of 2024.
It is not clear if this means cruise ships and ferries, or container ships.
One newbuilding will also be contracted at a domestic shipyard over the longer term under initiatives by refiners and coastal owners.
Other short-term measures include increasing the number of tank trucks heading to airports.
Longer-term, storage capacity at terminals and refineries will be expanded.
The loosened rules on refinery production will mean fuel for 140 flights per week.
Reuters reported that Japanese refiners have been reducing oil processing capacity in the past decade to reflect falling domestic demand due to an ageing population, a falling birth rate and a move towards more fuel-efficient vehicles.
“Unlike other oil products, we expect jet fuel demand to increase further as the government targets 60m foreign tourists in 2030, so we have to take a long-term approach,” an official at the industry ministry told reporters.
