Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has successfully conducted its first LNG bunkering operation in Western North America, marking a significant step in expanding LNG fuel supply bases. On March 1, 2025, in English Bay, Canada Vancouver, MOL, in collaboration with Seaspan Energy Ltd., completed an LNG bunkering operation for the MOL-operated LNG-fueled car carrier Lake Herman.
The operation was carried out using Seaspan Garibaldi, an LNG bunkering vessel operated by Seaspan Energy. This ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering marks a milestone not just for MOL but also for Japanese shipping companies, as it is the first time an LNG-fueled car carrier has been bunkered in this region.
MOL has been actively promoting the adoption of LNG as a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional marine fuels. This latest development aligns with the company’s broader strategy under the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2,” which targets net-zero emissions by 2050. Expanding LNG fuel supply bases at key ports is a critical part of this roadmap, allowing for greater deployment of LNG-powered vessels.
Seaspan Energy, based in Vancouver, has positioned itself as a leader in LNG bunkering in Canada, operating three LNG bunkering vessels. The company is the first in the country to provide STS LNG bunkering services, strengthening its role in supporting cleaner fuel alternatives in the maritime sector.
Harly Penner, President of Seaspan Energy, acknowledged the significance of the operation, stating, “We are proud to share in this milestone with MOL as Lake Herman is the first car carrier to be fueled by a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Western North America. We appreciate the trust from its customer and look forward to a long-lasting relationship.”
MOL’s Yoshikazu Urushitani, General Manager of the Marine Fuel GX Division, emphasized the importance of establishing LNG supply infrastructure in the region. “Until now, there was no LNG fuel supply base in Western North America, and the deployment of LNG-fueled vessels was limited. We are very pleased that we have succeeded in the first LNG bunkering for a car carrier in Western North America in collaboration with Seaspan Energy, which will expand the range of areas where we can deploy environmentally friendly LNG-fueled vessels and provide customers with more options for expanding their clean supply chains.”
The completion of this bunkering operation is expected to open more opportunities for LNG-fueled vessels operating in the Pacific region. MOL plans to continue conducting ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in other Western North American ports, further enhancing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions in shipping.
