Japan’s LNG player Inpex and compatriot Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have completed a concept study for an ammonia bunkering vessel.
Inpex said in a statement it expects wide adoption of ammonia in the future as a “clean energy source, because it does not generate carbon dioxide (CO2) when combusted.”
The joint concept study involved the evaluation of a “highly versatile” ammonia bunkering vessel with sufficient tank capacity and maneuverability as well as infrastructure compatible with a variety of ammonia-powered vessel types, fully leveraging Inpex’s knowledge of LNG transportation, cargo handling operations, and ship/shore compatibility, it said.
Inpex said the study is an important initiative toward realizing the company’s goal of commercializing three or more hydrogen/ammonia projects and producing and supplying 100 thousand tons or more of hydrogen/ammonia per year in around 2030.
Going forward, Inpex said it will conduct further technical evaluations based on the findings of the study.
The firm aims to promote the use of ammonia as a marine fuel to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in the maritime sector.
Inpex added it will also continue to work on supplying ammonia fuel and transporting ammonia to “flexibly respond to customer needs considering the value chain as a whole.”
