Japanese trio to work on developing ammonia as marine fuel

Japanese power company Jera, in collaboration with shipping firm NYK Line and chemical manufacturer Resonac, will undertake a study on supplying fuel ammonia to a tugboat equipped with a domestically produced ammonia-fuelled engine, it said on December 13. 

The three companies aim to build a robust hydrogen and ammonia supply chain, with a specific emphasis on supplying fuel ammonia to ships.

Using ammonia as ship fuel holds the promise of a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during maritime operations. Unlike conventional fuels, ammonia emits no CO2 when burned, making it a key player in the journey towards zero-emission shipping.

The ammonia-fuelled engine is being developed as part of NYK Line’s Green Innovation Fund project, supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO).

Key areas of the joint study include the establishment of safe operational methods for supplying fuel ammonia, the development of systems for transporting fuel ammonia to port areas and receiving it there, and collaboration with relevant organisations to formulate rules regarding the supply of marine fuel ammonia.