Ammonia

NYK to replace LNG bunker fuel system of tugboat “Sakigake” with ammonia-based solution

‘To replace the entire engine, including the main engine and fuel tank, the engine room will be cut to remove the existing LNG-fuelled equipment and install the new ammonia-fuelled machinery,’ says NYK.

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Admin

Japanese shipping firm NYK on Tuesday (31 October) has commenced the conversion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelled tugboat Sakigake to an ammonia-fuelled tugboat at the Oppama factory of Keihin Dock Co. Ltd.

Sakigake, dubbed A-tug, is operated in Tokyo Bay by the NYK Group’s Shin-Nihon Kaiyosha. The modification involves equipping the tugboat with a domestically produced ammonia-fuelled engine.

“To replace the entire engine, including the main engine and fuel tank, the engine room will be cut to remove the existing LNG-fuelled equipment and install the new ammonia-fuelled machinery,” NYK said.

The new engine has been tested at IHI Power Systems’ Ota Plant to show virtually zero emissions from the unburned ammonia and the nitrous oxide (N2O).

The effort 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 Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Sakigake is scheduled for delivery in June 2024. The vessel will continue to be operated by Shin-Nihon Kaiyosha to verify its decarbonisation effect and operational safety as the world’s first ammonia-fuelled vessel.

Manifold Times previously reported Sakigake conducted its last bunkering at Yokohama Shinko pier as a vessel fuelled by LNG before undergoing conversion work to be re-commissioned an ammonia-fuelled tugboat.

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 1 November, 2023

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Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

The 9,100 CEU “Höegh Sunrise”, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

Published

2 days ago

May 22, 2025

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Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil.

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 22 May, 2025

Ammonia

Singapore-based Seatrium receives AiP from ABS for ammonia bunker vessel

Vessel has a 25,000m³ liquefied ammonia capacity, constructed using IMO Type C containment, designed by Seatrium Marine & Deepwater Technology.

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

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Singapore-based Seatrium receives AiP from ABS for ammonia bunker vessel

Singapore-headquartered marine engineering firm Seatrium on Tuesday (21 May) said it has secured an Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a 25,000m³ ammonia bunker vessel.

The company said the vessel has a 25,000m³ liquefied ammonia capacity, constructed using IMO Type C containment, designed by Seatrium Marine & Deepwater Technology.

The vessel is capable of dedicated ammonia bunkering with optional carrier functionality.

It is designed to operate with a deadweight tonnage of 19,500 mt at 14 knots, allowing for 55 days of operation without the need for refuelling.

The vessel’s features include enhanced safety architecture focused on preventing open-deck leaks, compliant with IMO standards, the IGC Code, and ABS regulations as well as integrated systems allowing a seamless switch between ammonia and diesel fuel.

“The ABS AiP verifies the technical viability and regulatory compliance of our vessel, creating a foundation for detailed engineering and construction,” the company said.

“This approval marks a crucial step towards timely delivery and positions Seatrium as a leader in maritime energy transition. Together, we are building a robust fuel infrastructure for the ZeroCarbon fleet of the future!”

Photo credit: Seatrium
Published: 21 May, 2025

Ammonia

ABS answers critical safety questions related to using ammonia as a marine fuel

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as STS, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

Published

5 days ago

May 19, 2025

Admin

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Thursday (15 May) published its report to bring together the findings of its advanced research into the performance of ammonia on board.

Critical safety questions such as “how does ammonia behave when it leaks in an engine room?” and “how does a cloud of escaped ammonia disperse during bunkering operations?” are addressed in the latest ABS research.

ABS performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using advanced tools to quantitatively assess the risks associated with ammonia dispersion in accidental leakage scenarios.

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as ship-to-ship, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

“This publication provides a comprehensive report of ABS’ efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by ammonia as a marine fuel,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

“Through detailed analysis of ammonia dispersion studies and emergency evacuation protocols, ABS is contributing to the discourse on safe and supportable maritime fuel alternatives, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.”

In addition to CFD simulation analysis, ABS leveraged the latest industry best practices and advancements in software and hardware – including acoustic cameras for detecting and visualizing ammonia leakage – to provide a thorough, three-part framework for owners and operators evaluating ammonia as a cleaner fuel source:

Proactive regulatory engagement and risk anticipation
Development and implementation of a multifaceted safety framework, combining qualitative and quantitative risk assessments
Real-time monitoring and optimized emergency response

Note: Download a copy of the ABS publication Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel here.

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 19 May, 2025