NS United is preparing to invest in tonnage for coastal LNG transportation and bunkering, according to a new business plan it launched this week.

The Tokyo-headquartered company, a part of the giant Nippon Steel group, is preparing alternative business streams ahead of a predicted slowdown in growth in its main iron ore and coal transportation markets from 2030.

Nippon Steel has recently announced a number of temporary furnace closures at its main steel mills during the coronavirus pandemic and is lining some up for long term closure.