Breaking Barriers: World's First Ammonia-Fueled Vessel Completes Successful Voyage in Tokyo Bay
Key Ideas
  • Sakigake, the first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, achieved up to a 95% GHG-emission reduction during a three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay.
  • The project, a collaboration between NYK, IPS, and ClassNK under NEDO, marks a significant milestone in developing next-generation fuel vessels.
  • Future plans include continued use of the vessel for tugboat operations, along with the development of an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier set to be delivered in 2026.
  • NEDO's commitment to promoting research on ammonia-fueled vessels and achieving carbon neutrality in the shipping industry underscores a push towards sustainable maritime transport.
The world's first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, successfully completed a three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay, achieving a remarkable GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95%. The project, completed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. (IPS) in cooperation with ClassNK and NEDO, signifies a significant step towards sustainable marine transport. The development project, initiated in 2021, aimed to equip vessels with domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines, with the vessel becoming operational in August 2024. During the voyage, Sakigake engaged in tugboat operations while demonstrating ammonia co-firing and GHG-reduction rates exceeding 90%, further solidifying ammonia as a promising next-generation fuel option for vessels. A commemorative ceremony in Yokohama celebrated the project milestone, attended by representatives from NEDO, NYK, IPS, ClassNK, and government ministries. Future plans include the vessel’s continued use for tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay to gather operational knowledge. Additionally, a collaboration between NYK, Japan Engine Corporation, IPS, and Nippon Shipyard Co., Ltd. is underway to develop an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier, scheduled for delivery in November 2026. NEDO's focus on promoting research on next-generation fuel vessels, particularly ammonia-fueled ones, aligns with efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in the shipping industry. For more information, contacts for NEDO, NYK, IPS, and ClassNK are provided.
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