Japanese shipping firm NYK Line on Thursday (3 September) said it signed a joint research and development agreement with IHI Power Systems Co Ltd, and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) to put the world’s first ammonia-fuelled tugboat into practical use.
NYK noted that as carbon dioxide (CO2) is not emitted when ammonia is burned, it is viewed to have promise as a next-generation fuel that could mitigate shipping’s impact on global warming,
In addition, it is said that zero emissions can be realized by utilizing CO2-free hydrogen as a raw material for ammonia. Thus, the companies have decided to start this joint R&D for a tugboat that used ammonia as bunker fuel.
The companies have previously worked together to jointly develop the LNG-fuelled tugboat Sakigake, which was built in 2015 as Japan’s first ship fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In this new joint R&D project, NYK said the consortium will utilize the knowledge cultivated in the development, construction, and operation of Sakigake.
Specifically, in fiscal 2020 the companies will tackle the technological development of the hull, engine, and fuel supply system, and development of safety navigation methods.
After evaluating the practicality of the R&D results, they will commence the study of the construction of the ammonia-fueled tugboat as well as the plan for construction.
“If it is possible to commercialize marine equipment that uses ammonia, which is one of the candidates for a next-generation fuel, and establish a method for operating the vessel, it is expected that the Japanese maritime industry will make a significant contribution to decarbonization of the international shipping sector,” said NYK Line.
Related: Japan’s first LNG-fuelled vessel “Sakigake” reaches 100th LNG bunkering milestone
Related: NYK Group shows Japan’s first LNG-fuelled vessel to ASEAN delegates
Photo credit: NYK Line
Published: 4 September, 2020
Development will be of particular interest to individual companies and representatives of maritime, waste, greenhouse gas removals, amongst others.
Video describes how LNG can provide a clear pathway to fuels, enabling industry to meet the IMO target to reduce GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050.
The team, which consists of nine experts, will be led by Torill Osberg, who has over 25 years of experience in the gas carrier and alternative fuels sectors.
‘With this track record the "Coralius" crew have developed an unmatched efficiency in performing bunker operations,’ says Gasum, adding it performed compatibility studies for these operations.
One 3,000 tonnes berth for bunkering will be built and two 250 m3 LNG storage tanks will be installed, which can refuel up to 100 vessels, for the project.
£30,000 awarded by the UK Department for Transport will help firm prepare its liquid hydrogen bunkering facility towards commercialisation, says CEO.
KPI OC seeking to recover debt of USD 805,602.15 over five bunker deliveries, not including accrued interest of about USD 363,000 since 15 September, showed court documents obtained by Manifold Times.
Discussions around the need to develop methanol bunkering operations are taking place at numerous ports ahead of estimated demand of above 7M mtpa by 2030, says Chris Chatterton of Methanol Institute.
‘Economics of the shipping market will be the key driver enabling methanol to be adopted at a higher pace going forth over next couple years as market begins to return to more normal rates,’ states COO.
Integr8 Fuel injunction varied by Singapore Court to allow former employees to start work at Hartree Group in December 2022 following failure to produce evidence on biofuels development plans.
Variability of sources can affect the stability and performance of biofuel bunkers produced from these feedstocks, in turn leading to difficulties in meeting regulations and industry standards, shares Bryan Quek.
Top three positive movers in 2022 were Bunker House Petroleum Pte Ltd (+7), Eastpoint International Marketing Pte Ltd (+5), and Eng Hua Company (Pte) Ltd (+6); newcomer Sinopec Fuel Oil (Singapore) gets 19th spot.
