Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has recently completed a conceptual study for an ammonia bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia fuel to ships.
The study involved joint investigations with Inpex Corporation, which claims abundant achievements and experience in the energy supply chain, in order to respond to increasing demands for ammonia-fuelled ships.
Since ammonia does not emit CO2 when burned, it is expected to be utilised as a stable source of clean energy in the future, and is gaining attention as a fuel that will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in the maritime industry. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has made use of its knowledge of the design and production of multi-purpose liquefied gas carriers, which are capable of transporting ammonia, in taking forward conceptual considerations for a highly flexible ammonia bunkering vessel having sufficient tank capacity, ship manoeuvrability, and bunkering equipment to ensures compatibility with the various ammonia-fuelled vessels expected in the future.
Based on the knowledge and technical tasks acquired in the study, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will carry out further technical investigations, and with the cooperation of other maritime-related companies, will set its sights on the commercialisation of this vessel.
As a maritime system integrator, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is continuing to focus on developing and commercialising not only ammonia bunkering vessels, but alternative fuel vessels and relevant equipment in order to realise a carbon neutral society.
