Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (‘K’ Line), Itochu, Nihon Shipyard, MAN Energy Solutions, Mitsui E&S and NS United Kaiun Kaisha have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding joint development efforts for the commercialisation of ammonia-fuelled ships.
Ammonia is seen as a key zero-emission marine fuel solution and if it becomes possible to commonly use ammonia as a marine fuel, this will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions. The development and commercialisation of ammonia dual-fuel engines using ammonia as their primary fuel (ammonia-fuelled engines) is seen as essential for widespread use of ammonia-fuelled ships. In particular, ensuring safety in handling toxic ammonia and stable operation at sea are considered important milestones.
The MoU is based on the premise that 200,000 dwt bulk carriers to be built by Nihon Shipyard will be equipped with ammonia-fuelled engines being developed by MAN as a pilot project prior to commercialisation, and that the necessary operational data will be collected after the delivery of the ships for the commercialisation of ammonia-fuelled engines and ships in cooperation with other parties involved.
The MoU represents a milestone for the implementation of ammonia-fuelled ships, a new challenge being taken on by the maritime industry, and an important step in the ongoing implementation of the Integrated Project being facilitated by Itochu.
Itochu and its partners will proceed with the development of ammonia-fuelled engines and ships based on this MoU, aiming to begin implementation once the engines and ships are ready in accordance with the integrated project for the development and social implementation of ammonia fuelled ships selected by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in October 2021 to be a part of its publicly solicited Green Innovation Fund Project/Development Project for Next-Generation Ships/Development of Ammonia Fuelled Ships.
As a logistics company rooted in the shipping industry, ‘K’ LINE Group will continue to work to reduce its environmental impact to aim for sustainable growth and greater corporate value.
Image: MoU signing ceremony, From left: Sato Yoshinori, Executive Officer, NS United Kaiun Kaisha; Tanaka Ichiro, Director, Mitsui E&S; Daniel Struckmeier, MD MAN Energy Solutions Japan; Higaki Kiyoshi, President, Nihon Shipyard ; Ikeda Shingo, Executive Officer, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha; Ozeki Hirohiko, GM Marine Department, Itochu Corporation
