Marubeni Corporation of Japan and Thailand’s PTT Public Company Limited have begun a joint feasibility study on implementing liquefied natural gas bunkering at Laem Chabang port. The initiative is partly in response to the International Maritime Organization regulation scheduled for 2020, which aims to reduce sulphur emissions from ships.
Laem Chabang handles over 8,000 ship arrivals and departures each year, and the use of LNG is expected to help limit emissions at the port. The port is expanding due to rising exports, and demand for LNG bunkering is projected to increase.
The study will assess the practicality of using a fuel supply vessel compatible with PTT’s existing LNG receiving terminal in Map Ta Phut. Marubeni has stated that its role will include supporting the conversion of ship fuel to LNG, which can reduce environmental impact, and contributing to infrastructure development within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, a special economic zone where strategic infrastructure projects are underway.
Thailand, recognized as an emerging LNG importer in Asia, aims to increase its LNG import capacity seven times to 35 million tons annually by 2036. The country faces declining domestic oil reserves and views LNG as a key solution to meet growing energy demand.
This joint study marks a step toward preparing Laem Chabang port for cleaner fuel operations and reflects broader trends in the region toward expanding LNG use and modernizing maritime energy infrastructure.
(Source: Riviera)
