Marubeni, PTT tie up to study LNG bunkering in Thailand

Marubeni Corporation started a joint feasibility study with Thailand’s PTT to implement LNG bunkering operations in Laem Chabang Port, the largest industrial port in Thailand. 

The regulation of exhaust gas will be tightened from 2020, and ships that use LNG for fuel are expected to increase, Marubeni said in a statement on Wednesday.

In 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 in this area due to increased exports and the tightening of environmental regulations.

This joint study will verify the feasibility of an LNG bunkering project that utilizes a fuel supply ship that is compatible with an existing PTT managed LNG receiving terminal in Map Ta Phut, located in Rayong, approximately 200 km southeast of Bangkok. This area is called the Eastern Economic Corridor in Thailand, a special economic zone 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 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.