Inpex Corporation has set a precedent in the Japanese market by launching its LNG supply business through the use of tanker trucks operated directly by its logistics division. This move, carried out through its subsidiary Inpex Japan, represents vertical integration that ensures full control over delivery of the cryogenic fuel to industrial customers.
LNG supply and a superior logistics fleet
The technical relevance of this operation is evident at Rengo‘s Kanazu plant, located in Fukui Prefecture. Through this steady energy flow, the facility has been able to replace coal with LNG—a shift that directly reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Likewise, managing its own tanker truck fleet enables the company to overcome the limitations of fixed infrastructure, delivering natural gas to regions beyond the reach of conventional pipeline networks.
From my perspective, the launch of this business unit is a direct response to the roadmap set out in INPEX Vision 2035. The company aims to consolidate its leadership in exploration and production, and to lead the transformation of the energy landscape toward carbon neutrality by 2050. The industrial energy transition depends on pragmatic, scalable solutions like this, where a stable natural gas supply serves as a bridge to a cleaner economy.
When analyzing the scale of this rollout, INPEX’s commitment to in-house logistics strengthens the country’s energy security. The company will continue integrating low-emission solutions and exploring new operational opportunities to ensure Japanese industry has the resources it needs for sustainable operations.
Source and photo: INPEX