Large LNG Storage Tanks, Yokohama

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is an important form of energy in Japan. Since 1970, some sixty reinforced concrete inground LNG storage tanks have been constructed in Japan, with a total capacity of 4.8 million kl. In 1995 and 1996, two 200,000 kl LNG inground storage tanks, the world's largest, were completed at the Negishi LNG terminal in Yokohama. Two more tanks of the same capacity are being built, this time totally underground, at a new LNG terminal, the Ohgishima, also in greater Yokohama. These tanks demonstrate the advantages of inground LNG storage tanks, namely their high levels of safety, unobtrusive appearance, efficient land use, economical construction, and simple operation and maintenance.