Shimizu LNG Company, a subsidiary of Shizuoka Gas Company, which owns and operates an LNG receiving terminal in the port of Shimizu, filed application on 1st November 2005 with the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication for expansion of the terminal facilities, including construction of another LNG storage tank and additional vaporizers.

This is part of infrastructural investment by Shizuoka Gas — including new high-pressure pipelines — to meet the growing demand for natural gas in and around the company's supply territory. Demand is expected to grow beyond the current LNG receiving terminal capacity. The additional facilities will be ready for operation in 2010.