A bunkering boom jointly developed by NYK and TB Global Technologies(TBG) for the ship-to-ship supply of ammonia fuel has received the first Approval in Principle (AiP) for this technology from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).
TBG is a Japanese manufacturer of cargo-handling equipment for crude oil, LNG, and other liquids. NYK and TBG expect to significantly enhance safety of supplying ships with ammonia, which is highly toxic, by employing TBG’s technology to ensure the liquid does not leak. Ammonia is expected to contribute to the decarbonisation of shipping because it does not emit CO2 when burned.
The most distinctive feature of the boom is a TBG-developed emergency-release system that allows the connection between an ammonia-fuelled vessel and an ammonia bunkering vessel (ABV) to be disconnected instantly in an emergency. In acquiring the AiP, NYK provided design data for its in-house developed ABV. In addition, to improve the safety and operability of the equipment, NYK provided knowledge on the handling of ammonia gained from its ammonia transport business and expertise gained from Kaguya, Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel. Kaguya is operated by Central LNG Marine Fuel Corporation, of which NYK is the largest shareholder.
Ammonia-fuelled vessels are being researched and developed worldwide as next-generation fuel vessels friendly to the natural environment. One such vessel, an ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) scheduled for delivery in November 2026, is being developed by a consortium that includes NYK along with Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems Nihon Shipyard and ClassNK.
The bunkering boom is being developed for installation on ammonia-fuelled vessels that are expected to become popular worldwide starting in the late 2020s.
NYK Group’s goal is to reduce its overall GHG emissions by 45% from 2021 level (Scope 1 + 2) by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. NYK is thus promoting the development of ships fuelled by ammonia and the establishment of an ammonia value chain.
Image: Rendering of NYK vessel equipped with ammonia bunkering boom (source: NYK)
