INPEX selects NAPA to deliver performance monitoring for all of its LNG carriers servicing its Ichthys project

Helsinki, Finland – 12 February 2019

ClassNK-NAPA GREEN provides continuous real-time data to monitor and improve safety and performance

NAPA, the leading maritime software, services and data analysis provider, today announced that after a competitive tender, INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX), Japan’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company, has chosen to install NAPA’s comprehensive solution for monitoring and follow-up of ship operations, ClassNK-NAPA GREEN, on two LNG carriers built to service the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project and one LNG carrier for Prelude LNG Project.

With the core motivation of accurately verifying the technical performance of these highly complex carriers, INPEX chose ClassNK-NAPA GREEN for the combination of NAPA’s LNG carrier design understanding and market leading performance monitoring software. The Oceanic Breeze, Pacific Breeze, and Symphonic Breeze are amongst the world’s largest MOSS-type LNG carriers and ClassNK-NAPA GREEN will enable INPEX to monitor how well the promises made by their shipbuilders match the reality of operations, as well as the carriers’ performance over time.

Pacific Breeze is among the world’s largest MOSS-type LNG carriers

Akihiko Itoh, Manager of Transportation group, LNG Trading Unit at INPEX commented, “The propulsion system of an LNG carrier is far more complex than that of any other vessel type, which is why a fundamental understanding of elements including the cargo containment and management systems, as well as the ultra steam turbine is critical to efficiency. From system configuration to setting KPIs, NAPA’s in-depth LNG knowledge, spanning design, engineering and operations enables us to effectively collaborate with them for transparent fleet performance and voyage reporting that delivers genuine value.”

With offshore production facilities located in the Browse Basin, about 200 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia, Ichthys is one of the world’s most complex LNG projects, and is expected to operate for the next 40 years. At full capacity Ichthys will produce 8.9 million tonnes of LNG per year, along with about 1.65 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and about 100,000 barrels per day of condensate at peak. Ichthys adds a major new source of LNG supply equivalent to more than 10% of the annual LNG import volume of Japan – the world’s largest LNG importer.

Mr Akihiko Itoh concluded, “ClassNK-NAPA GREEN will effectively give us live sea trial results throughout the vessels’ working lives. This will help us to realise substantial operational savings across our entire fleet through timely evaluation of, and reaction to ship performance, which underpins our ability to provide a consistent, reliable, and efficient supply of LNG in support of Japan’s long-term energy security.”

INPEX has a major stake in Ichthys LNG Project. Other shareholders include CPC Corporation, Taiwan and Japanese utilities Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Kansai Electric Power, JERA and Toho Gas.

Naoki Mizutani, Executive Vice President, Shipping Solutions at NAPA commented, “As an advanced player in the LNG space, INPEX needs a performance monitoring software solution to match. The Ichthys LNG Project is fundamentally changing the LNG landscape and we are proud to be supporting INPEX’s trademark ingenuity to make this vision a reality. As well as monitoring speed and fuel consumption performance, ClassNK-NAPA GREEN also helps to increase awareness of environmental factors to increase vessel safety. This capability was tested during the first shipment when a heavy storm approached from east of the route. However, the ship made it safely past and was able to safely navigate away from waves as high as 10m that were in close proximity.”

About INPEX
INPEX CORPORATION is Japan’s largest exploration and production (E&P) company, and a mid-tier E&P player just behind the world’s oil majors. INPEX is currently involved in approximately 70 projects across more than 20 countries, including the Ichthys LNG Project in Australia as Operator. Through sustainably growing its oil and gas development business, developing a global gas value chain business and reinforcing its renewable energy initiatives, INPEX aims to become a leading energy company and continue providing a stable and efficient supply of energy to its customers. For more information, visit https://www.inpex.co.jp/english/index.html

About NAPA
In its 30 years of operation, NAPA has become a global leader in software, services and data analysis for the maritime industry; providing best in class data-led solutions for safety, efficiency and productivity in both ship design and operations.

NAPA operates globally, with 11 offices across Asia, Europe and the Americas supported by its Helsinki headquarters. To date, NAPA has 420 user organizations for its design solutions and over 2,500 installations onboard vessels. For more information, visit www.napa.fi

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