Contracts Signed for Construction of Ammonia-Fueled Ammonia Gas Carrier
In December 2023, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems Co., and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. signed a series of contracts to construct the world's first ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) equipped with Japan-made engines.
The completion of the vessel will be a significant step toward the realization of decarbonization in the maritime sector.
In October 2021, the four companies were selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for its Green Innovation Fund Project, and together with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), a partner organization, the five parties (“the Consortium”) have been working on “a demonstration project for the commercialization of vessels equipped with a domestically produced ammonia-fueled engine” (the “Project”).
Under the slogan “Changing the future of the sea and the future with Japanese technology,” Japan’s maritime industry is now in full swing to lead the world with the AFMGC toward its completion in November 2026.
Background and Goals
Contributing to the Achievement of Net-Zero Emissions in International Shipping
To achieve net-zero emissions in international shipping, switching from conventional fossil fuels to optimal next-generation fuels is essential. Since ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide (CO₂¬¬) during combustion, it is expected to be a next-generation fuel that contributes to preventing global warming. Through the development and construction of the AFMGC, the Consortium will contribute to the practical application of ammonia-fueled ships.
Building an Ammonia Value Chain
Ammonia, which has traditionally been chiefly used for fertilizer and other chemical raw material applications, is expected to be used for co-firing in thermal power plants and as a hydrogen carrier, and demand for ammonia is expected to grow rapidly in Japan and overseas. At the same time, demand for ammonia production and marine transportation will also increase, and an ammonia value chain is expected to be established sequentially. Based on the belief that establishing a cleaner, less environmentally burdensome ammonia value chain is indispensable for realizing a decarbonized society, the Consortium will work to complete and popularize the AFMGC and other ammonia-fueled ammonia carriers.
Strengthening Japan’s Maritime Industry
Surrounded by the sea, Japan depends on maritime transportation for more than 99% of its imports and exports of resources and food (by weight). The maritime industry is essential to Japan’s economic security. The maritime industry includes shipping companies that operate ships, shipbuilders that supply transport vessels, and marine equipment manufacturers, all of which are working to maintain and strengthen their international competitiveness. The consortium sees fuel conversion to achieve zero emissions as an opportunity and aims to use the technological capabilities of the Japanese maritime cluster to supply ships with high environmental performance and safety ahead of other countries.
International Rulemaking for Marine Use of Ammonia
International rules for ships using ammonia as fuel are not yet in place, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently discussing the issue. This Project is one of the first to develop ammonia-fueled ships, and the knowledge gained from the construction and operation of AFMGCs will be essential to the progress of discussions at the IMO. The Consortium aims to work closely with ClassNK and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to contribute actively to international rulemaking.
