As crude oil contains sulfur, sulfur oxide is emitted when it is burned as is, and for that reason removing its sulfur content, or "desulfurization," is performed in the process of refining crude oil. As heat is applied, sulfur becomes liquefied, which simplifies its transport. This liquefied sulfur is known as "molten sulfur." Molten sulfur is used as a raw material for manufacturing sulfuric acid, as well as for agricultural fertilizer.
We provide a wide range of safe and stable transportation services backed by our long history, experience, and technological capabilities, with a focus on medium- to long-term contracts.
The IINO Group's gas carrier business began in 1960 with the delivery of the "TOHO MARU", Japan's first pressurized domestic gas carrier, which operated in domestic LPG transport.
Subsequently, in 1963, we expanded into large gas carrier operations with the delivery of TOYOSU MARU, an oceangoing large LPG carrier, securing our position as a pioneer in the industry.
Characteristics
Gas carriers transport liquefied gases such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and LNG (liquefied natural gas). As the volume of gas is enormous in its gaseous state, liquefication by pressurization or cooling improves transportation efficiency. In order to maintain such a liquid state, gas carriers come equipped with specialized equipment for temperature control and pressure regulation functions, employing sophisticated technology to ensure safety and quality during transportation.
Cargoes
Introducing cargoes (LPG, LNG, ethane, ammonia, others)
LPG
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is composed mainly of propane and butane, and has physical properties that make it relatively easy to liquefy through compression and cooling.
It is widely used for industrial applications such as a petrochemical raw material and fuel for thermal power generation, commercial applications such as automobiles (taxis, etc.) and water heaters, and household applications such as cassette stoves and lighters.
Being easily portable has made the use of LPG cylinders widespread throughout Japan, including outlying islands and mountainous areas, and it has become a familiar part of the energy supply. In addition, compared to heavy oil, LPG can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and is used as a safe, clean energy source with low environmental impact.
Introducing our LPG carrier fleet
The IINO Group has been a step ahead of others, having been involved in the LPG transportation business since the 1960s, and it has a long history as a pioneer in both domestic and oceangoing shipping. In 1963, the delivery of TOYOSU MARU marked our entry into the oceangoing LPG carrier business, and the domestic LPG carrier business began in 1960 with the delivery of Japan's first pressurized domestic gas carrier, TOHO MARU, which was used to transport LPG in domestic waters. Recent years have seen the oceangoing LPG carriers CALLUNA GAS and OCEANUS AURORA completed in February 2022 and March 2023, respectively, equipped with dual-fuel diesel main engines that can use LPG fuel, in addition to conventional heavy oil fuel. An oceangoing LPG carrier capable of navigating icy waters is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
LNG
LNG (liquefied natural gas) is natural gas, mainly composed of methane, and liquefied by cooling it to -162℃. Given such an ultra-low temperature it requires special storage tanks and transport vessels. Even amid the trend toward decarbonization, LNG is expected to continue to play a role as a base fuel due to its economic and environmental advantages, and the volume of LNG transported by sea is increasing in line with the progress of LNG development projects around the world. With lower CO2 emissions and higher power generation efficiency than oil and coal, it is used as a power source to compensate for the instability of renewable energy sources.
Introducing our LNG carrier fleet
The IINO Group commenced international LNG transportation projects in 1994, primarily with large carriers.
Today, its fleet of LNG carriers numbers over 20 ships, held jointly with partners in and outside of Japan. We started out with the oceangoing LNG carrier "SK SUNRISE", and since 2005 we have also been managing the vessel NORTH PIONEER, our second domestic LNG carrier. LNG is a cargo that contributes to decarbonization, and we are expanding our operations by leveraging our accumulated experience in the LNG transportation business.
Ethane
Ethane is the second most abundant component of natural gas after methane. It has a thermal capacity per volume of about 1.75 times that of methane, and while being gaseous at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure, will liquify at -90℃.
Ethane, used in the production of ethylene, a raw material for plastics, chemical fibers, synthetic rubber, and other chemical products, is attracting attention as a raw material for chemicals that is less expensive and more environmentally friendly alternative to naphtha derived from crude oil, the conventional raw material for ethylene. Being a byproduct of shale gas extraction, which is flourishing in the U.S., demand for ethane has also increased, and Europe and Asia are the main importing regions.
Introducing our ethane carrier fleet
In November 2022, we concluded a long-term charter contract with INEOS Europe AG, a British chemical manufacturer, for two 99,000 m3 VLECs (Very Large Ethane Carriers). These carriers will be completed in 2025 and 2026, respectively, and leased to INEOS, our new partner as we newly enter the market of ethane transportation based upon the cornerstone of our over six decades in the gas carrier business.
Ammonia
Ammonia is one of the world's most commonly produced chemical products, with an annual production volume of approximately 180 million tons.
In addition to being used as a raw material in chemicals and fertilizers, ammonia is also attracting attention as a means of transportation for zero-emission fuels and hydrogen that emit no carbon dioxide when burned.
Introducing our ammonia carrier fleet
In 2024, the world's first ammonia carrier, "GAS INNOVATOR", which was designed and built under the basic certification for ammonia fueled ships by the U.S. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), was delivered. The vessel mainly transports ammonia from Southeast Asia to Northeast Asia mainly to Japan. This is our first re-entry into the ammonia transport business since 2017, and the name of the vessel reflects the company's commitment to the realization of a sustainable society.
Others
Olten sulfur
Ethylene
Ethylene is one of the most important petrochemical raw materials. Japan typically makes ethylene from naphtha which is refined from crude oil, and when transported by ship, it is liquefied by cooling it to a cryogenic temperature of -100℃. Ethylene is used as a packaging material for confectioneries and perishable food products, plastic bags, and cushioning materials. It is used in a range of applications, such as surface-active agents and sterilizers for medical instruments.
Propylene
Just as with ethylene, propylene is one of the important raw materials that underpins petrochemicals, and is refined from naphtha and other materials. When transported by ship, it may be liquefied by applying pressure or at low temperatures, although for domestic transport, it is mainly liquefied by pressurization. Propylene is used in a diverse variety of applications, such as automobile parts, electric appliances, containers, clothing textiles, sporting goods, and office supplies.
C4/C5 fractions
C4/C5 fraction is another raw material refined from naphtha, and the term "fraction" refers to the various components in the liquid. Namely, C4 fraction is a mixture of four carbons and C5 fraction is a mixture of five carbons. Necessary components are extracted from a fraction, which is a mixed liquid, and used as raw materials for products. C4/5 fractions are used in rubber products such as tires, as well as adhesives, synthetic resins and insulation materials.
VCM (Vinyl Chloride Monomer)
VCM (Vinyl Chloride Monomer) is refined primarily from ethylene and chlorine or ethylene and hydrogen chloride, and is a raw material for vinyl chloride resin. Vinyl chloride is easy to process, strong, water resistant, and even holds up well to UV rays. These characteristics enable use in a wide variety of products, such as water and sewer pipes, house windows, building interiors, and wrapping films for food packaging.
Environmentally friendly gas
Gas such as LPG and LNG gases are also used as fuels while enabling significant emissions reductions of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) on a tank-to-wake basis, compared to conventional fuel oils. Ammonia is anticipated to be used as a zero-emissions fuel that does not emit carbon dioxide when burned, and is also garnering attention as a means of transporting hydrogen.
Routes
Oceangoing routes
Large LPG carriers
We transport LPG from the Middle East, the U.S., and Australia to India, the Asian region, chiefly China, and Europe.
Time lapse: IINO-operated large LPG carrier passes through the Panama Canal
Short-sea and domestic routes (including Asian region)
Domestic gas carriers
We transport LNG, LPG, molten sulfur, and petrochemical gases, mainly in the waters around Japan.
Medium and small gas carriers
We transport LPG and petrochemical gases (olefin and vinyl chloride monomer) in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, focusing on Japan.
Business Strategy
Large gas carriers
- Business Overview
Transportation of liquefied gas in very large LPG carriers (VLGC), LNG carriers, and very large ethane carriers (VLEC), etc.
- Characteristics and Strengths of the Business
A fleet composition capable of handling a wide variety of liquefied gas transportation, combined with sales and technical expertise
Medium- to long-term contracts with a focus on charter agreements with customers in Japan and overseas who are making active efforts to reduce environmental impact
In the large gas carrier department, we own and operate a fleet composed mainly of large gas carriers, equipped with specialized cold temperature-tanks, pumps, compressors, and other dedicated equipment, for transporting liquefied gases such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and LNG (liquefied natural gas). Our safe and stable transportation services, backed by our long history, track record, and technological acumen, have earned accolades from domestic and overseas customers, and we are working to develop a wide range of liquefied gas business sales operations. The large gas carrier business possesses the strengths of "sales development centered on medium- to long-term charter contracts with customers in Japan and overseas who are making active efforts to reduce environmental impact" and "a fleet composition capable of handling a wide variety of liquefied gas transportation, combined with sales and technical expertise." Moreover, by adding a very large ethane carrier (VLEC) to our fleet, we will also endeavor in the liquefied gas transportation business, including liquefied ammonia and liquefied carbon dioxide, which will contribute to reducing environmental impact.
Medium and small gas carriers
- Business Overview
Transportation of liquefied gas by medium and small gas carriers
- Characteristics and Strengths of the Business
Catering to the transportation of a wide range of gases
Extensive experience and expertise cultivated through the transportation of gas since the 1960s
Diverse customer base in Asia
We established Gas Carrier Department No. 2 in June 2024 to handle medium and small gas carriers. In our mid-term management plan, we positioned the oceangoing gas carrier business as a "growth and new business" under which we endeavor to strengthen marketing for medium and small vessels, which is one of our key strategies. The newly established Gas Carrier Department No. 2 promotes our business strategy with an awareness of synergies gained from strengthened coordination between medium and small gas carrier-related organizations within the IINO Group, and works to further diversify cargoes and customers at key sales locations, mainly Tokyo and Singapore, and to achieve the greater growth of our fleet.
Domestic gas carriers
- Business Overview
Short-sea and domestic area transportation via small tankers (liquefied gas, etc.)
- Characteristics and Strengths of the Business
Advantage as a pioneer in the industry of short-sea and domestic transportation of liquefied gas
Provision of comprehensive transport services through an integrated in-house system, including
ship ownership, maintenance and management, and the assignment of crew members
The industry's largest employer of in-house Japanese crew members
The Small Gas Carrier Division was established in 2007 as IINO Gas Transport Co., Ltd. (IGT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of IINO LINES, by integrating a sales division at the Head Office, and ship-holding divisions at affiliated companies. We transport liquefied gas and other materials in the short-sea and domestic areas using small tankers, and as our strengths have our "advantage as a pioneer in the industry of domestic transportation of liquefied gas," the "provision of comprehensive transport services through an integrated in-house system, including ship ownership, maintenance and management, and the assignment of crew members," and being "the industry's largest employer of in-house Japanese crew members." As the division in charge of small gas transportation in domestic waters for the IINO Group, and by strengthening coordination between organizations within the IINO Group with regard to adjacent water areas, IGT will continue to rapidly and accurately respond to customer needs and provide high-quality and safe services.