NYK Introduces World's First Commercial Ammonia-Fuelled Vessel in Tokyo Bay
Key Ideas
- Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) launched the world's first ammonia-fuelled vessel, the Sakigake tugboat, in Tokyo Bay after retrofitting from LNG to ammonia.
- This initiative surpasses Fortescue Green Pioneer, an Australian vessel, in adopting ammonia as a fuel source for commercial use.
- NYK has partnered with Kyushu Electric Power Company, Sojitz Corporation, and Sembcorp Green Hydrogen for marine transport of green ammonia from India to Japan.
- The global ammonia-ready fleet and orderbook currently stand at approximately 430 ships, indicating a growing interest in green energy in the maritime industry.
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has unveiled the world's first commercial-use ammonia-fuelled vessel, the Sakigake tugboat, in Tokyo Bay. This innovative step involved transforming the tugboat from being LNG-fuelled to using ammonia, positioning NYK as a pioneer in green energy adoption in the maritime sector. The Sakigake tugboat's introduction precedes the Fortescue Green Pioneer, a platform supply vessel developed by Australian mining company Fortescue, which is still awaiting commercial deployment. NYK's recent partnership agreements with Kyushu Electric Power Company, Sojitz Corporation, and Sembcorp Green Hydrogen signify a strategic move towards transporting green ammonia from India to Japan. The collaboration aims to leverage ammonia as a sustainable fuel source for marine operations. Additionally, industry data from Clarksons reveals a noteworthy trend with around 430 ships in the global ammonia-ready fleet and orderbook, highlighting a growing shift towards environmentally friendly practices in the shipping industry. NYK's initiative not only showcases technical innovation but also underscores the increasing emphasis on sustainable solutions in maritime transportation.