Alternative Fuels

Japan: Ammonia-fuelled gas carrier design awarded ClassNK AiP

NYK Line, Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems, and Nihon Shipyard received approval from ClassNK for vessel design after concluding safety can be ensured.

Published

4 years ago

September 8, 2022

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NYK Line, Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd., and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (the Consortium) on Wednesday (7 September) received approval in principle (AiP) from classification society ClassNK for an ammonia-fuelled ammonia gas carrier (AFAGC).

At present, there are no international regulations for the use of ammonia as marine fuel. Therefore, the Consortium has been conducting research and development to ensure that the AFAGC has the same safety features as vessels using existing fuel oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel.

The Consortium conducted a HAZID risk assessment of the safety of using ammonia as marine fuel in anticipation of obtaining approval of an alternative design. The ship is expected to be delivered in fiscal 2026.

The Consortium then received an AiP from ClassNK after concluding that safety can be ensured. This is the first time that a risk assessment has been conducted and an AiP obtained not only for a concept but also an alternative design.

Background of AFAGC development

Since ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) when combusted, it is expected to be a next-generation fuel that contributes to the global warming measures and is expected to be in demand for mass transportation in the future.

In addition, by transporting ammonia as cargo and using it as fuel during voyages, it will be possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during voyages.

This initiative is the development of vessels equipped with a domestically produced ammonia-fuelled engine, which was initiated in October 2021 by NYK, Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd., and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. as part of the Green Innovation Fund Project of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

With the goal of early social implementation of next-generation fuel vessels, the Consortium are developing (a) a two-stroke ammonia-fuelled engine for vessel propulsion, (b) a four-stroke ammonia-fuelled engine for onboard power supply, and (c) a safe and environmentally friendly hull. The Consortium is working together to study the feasibility of construction and commercial operation of the prototype vessel in an integrated manner.

Basic design of prototype vessel completed and AiP obtained

The main design issues when using ammonia as a fuel during development are as follows:

It is necessary to combust ammonia stably and operate the engine while increasing mixed combustion rate of ammonia, which is hardly-flammable and has low energy density.
Since the combustion of ammonia generates nitrous oxide (N2O: about 300 times the warming potential of CO2) instead of CO2, it is necessary to control the combustion to suppress the generation of nitrous oxide.
A design to prevent leakage of toxic ammonia and adequate safety measures in the event of leakage are needed. Safety measures based on risk assessments are necessary to ensure the same level of safety as conventional vessels.

The development hull design for this project will be an MGC (medium gas carrier, ammonia loading capacity: approx. 38,000 cubic metres or more), which is currently common size for marine transportation of ammonia, and have developed and selected main and auxiliary engines and onboard equipment while securing an ammonia-loading capacity equivalent or more than that of conventional vessels.

The Consortium has completed the concept design of a prototype vessel that can cope with the above issues through the safe and practical installation of ammonia-fuel-related equipment in the limited space available in the vessel. The equipment layout has been devised and the Consortium will work on further design optimisation.

Photo credit: NYK Line
Published: 8 September 2022

LNG Bunkering

Stabilis Solutions targets Q3 2028 launch for Galveston LNG bunkering facility

Firm received a LOR from US Coast Guard following a review of a LNG Facility and associated waterfront LNG loading, marine transportation, and LNG bunkering operations in the Port of Galveston.

Published

20 hours ago

July 24, 2026

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Stabilis Solutions targets Q3 2028 launch for Galveston LNG bunkering facility

Clean energy production solutions provider Stabilis Solutions (Stabilis) on Friday (24 July) said the proposed Stabilis Galveston LNG Facility is anticipated to be in production by the third quarter of 2028.

It will come complete with the delivery of the first new-build, dedicated Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barge in the Galveston/Houston area.

“This is a significant regulatory and project milestone for Stabilis,” the company said.

This comes following Stabilis receiving a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from the US Coast Guard following their formal review of the proposed Stabilis Galveston LNG Facility and associated waterfront LNG loading, marine transportation, and LNG bunkering operations in the Port of Galveston.

“This critical endorsement of our project from the USCG Captain of the Port to the Port of Galveston and the Galveston Fire Marshal comes after a rigorous safety and security review process,” it said.

“This included a comprehensive evaluation of the potential risks, including navigation hazards, vessel traffic density impacts, emergency response capabilities, maritime security threats, and application of appropriate mitigation measures.”

Manifold Times previously reported Stabilis terminating a previously announced 10-year agreement with a leading investment-grade global marine operator to supply LNG from the company’s proposed 350,000 gallon-per-day Galveston liquefaction facility.

As a result, the company expected delays to the anticipated final investment decision, project financing, and development timeline for the Galveston LNG facility.

Photo credit: Stabilis Solutions
Published: 24 July, 2026

Wind-assisted

Fairfield Maritime Japan, Neste ink charter deal for WAPS-equipped MR tanker duo

Vessels will utilise low-sulphur fuels and will be capable of being retrofitted to operate on methanol at some point in the future.

Published

20 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Admin

Fairfield Maritime Japan (FMJ) on Wednesday (22 July) said it has signed a long-term charter contract with Neste for two vessels.

The agreement enables FMJ to fund and manage the construction of two Ice Class 1A medium range (MR) oil and chemical tankers for Neste’s transports to and from its refinery in Porvoo, Finland. Neste is a producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), also refining a wide range of oil products in Porvoo.

Fairfield Maritime Japan Ltd. is a portfolio company of Fairfield-Maxwell Ltd., a family office for the Sugahara family headquartered in New York City.

The two new ships will each have the capacity to ship 50,000 deadweight tons (DWT) and will be built by HD Hyundai Co., Ltd. of South Korea and delivered in the first and second quarters of 2029.

As Ice Class 1A certified ships, the two new vessels will be capable of navigating in ice conditions with the support of icebreakers, adhering to the Finnish Swedish Ice Class Rules.

These rules encompass the specific requirements for vessels navigating the Baltic Sea during the winter season. The highly ice-resistant ships will be able to approach and depart Porvoo in the winter months, contributing to operational continuity for Neste’s Porvoo facility.

The vessels will utilise low-sulphur fuels and will be capable of being retrofitted to operate on methanol at some point in the future.

The vessels will be ready for the future with the possibility to connect to shore power when that is available. In addition, the ships will be equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) to supplement the ships’ main engines. These technologies will reduce fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs.

“We’re pleased to partner with Fairfield Maritime Japan and Fairfield-Maxwell. With these new state-of-the-art vessels, we are continuing our efforts to deliver safe and efficient sea transport to and from our Porvoo refinery,” said Sander Wilgenhof, Head of Chartering, Neste.

“We are proud to be Neste’s long-term partner,” said Ryuichi Osonoe, President, Fairfield Maritime Japan.

“We believe that our knowledge and expertise will significantly assist Neste in its sea transportation. We are looking forward to seeing these two new ships cross the sea to safely export out of Neste’s Porvoo refinery.”

“Fairfield has been a partner of choice for world-class shippers for nearly 70 years,” said Byron Sugahara, chairman of the board of Fairfield-Maxwell.

“This agreement with Neste is confirmation that our family’s legacy in the shipping industry remains strong and provides a solid foundation for continued growth and success.”

Photo credit: Scott Graham
Published: 24 July, 2026

Nuclear

Long Beach becomes first US port to partner with MARAD on nuclear-powered shipping

It became the first Port in the nation to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with MARAD to advance work on development of SMR technology to power commercial vessels, ports and other maritime assets.

Published

20 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Admin

Long Beach becomes first US port to partner with MARAD on nuclear shipping

The Port of Long Beach on Wednesday (22 July) said it became the first Port in the nation to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to advance work on development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology to power commercial vessels, ports and other maritime assets.

The agreement represents a significant milestone, making Long Beach the first US seaport to formalise a partnership with MARAD to establish nuclear-powered vessels for commercial service.

“This first-of-its-kind partnership with MARAD allows us to leverage strong federal leadership and private sector innovation to catalyse SMR technology as we safely and securely support the next generation of shipping,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba.

“We’re building the Port of the Future in Long Beach, where we’ve led in global trade by moving USD 300 billion in cargo annually to support 2.7 million American jobs, and we will continue our tradition of leadership as we partner to advance nuclear energy in maritime and beyond.”

“Under President Trump’s and Secretary Duffy’s leadership, MARAD is taking decisive action to revitalise US shipbuilding and secure our national energy dominance,” said Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel.

“This milestone agreement with the Port of Long Beach brings cutting-edge Small Modular Reactor technology into active testing. It ensures our maritime supply chains stay operational under any contingency while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”

The agreement builds on momentum from MARAD’s Request for Information on 7 May, issued in the Federal Register, seeking industry input on the development of a US-built, scalable and commercially viable SMR for the nation’s marine transportation system.

It also complements the Port’s new lease agreement with BlueCore Energy Inc., which allows the company to assemble, test and store maritime power modules, adding private-sector expertise to this the partnership with an American energy and technology company on the forefront of SMR development.

Demand for reliable electricity sources is forecast to grow substantially as the Port pursues a goal to double container volume by 2050. Under the agreement, the Port and MARAD will collaborate with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to help define the operational protocols, safety standards and inspection processes needed to support the safe arrival and servicing of SMR-powered vessels at US ports, as well as to develop and share other best practices.

Photo credit: Port of Long Beach
Published: 24 July, 2026