First truck-to-ship LNG bunkering for international-flag cruise ship in Japan

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s ultra-luxury cruise ship Luminara has become the first internationally flagged vessel to be bunkered with LNG via truck-to-ship (TTS) transfer in Japan.

The TTS was carried out by MOL Techno-Trade Ltd, a member of the MOL Group, in collaboration with Saibu Gas Co, Ltd at Nagasaki Port on 3 April.

Saibu Gas was responsible for LNG procurement and overall co-ordination of the bunkering operation, and MOL Techno-Trade handled the commercial aspects of LNG fuel supply, jointly delivering LNG bunkering services for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Luminara is a 242-m, 456-passenger ultra-luxury vessel powered by LNG dual fuel, as is its sister yacht Ilma. Luminara is equipped with four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines, each fitted with a selective catalytic reduction system that is used in diesel mode to ensure compliance with IMO Tier III NOx regulations.

Riviera’s LNG Shipping & Terminals Conference will be held on 10-11 November 2026. Use this link for more information and to register for the event.