NYK Line, Japan Marine United, and ClassNK signed a joint research and development deal to help commercialize ammonia as a fuel in a move aimed at slashing emissions.
As part of the project, the Japanese trio plans to develop an ammonia-fueled liquefied ammonia gas carrier.
When used as fuel, it does not emit carbon dioxide, helping cut emissions and complying with IMO’s rules.
Furthermore, Ammonia is seen as a “next-generation fuel that could mitigate shipping’s impact on global warming,” the trio said.
The potential new carrier would ensure “zero emissions by utilising CO2-free hydrogen as a raw material for ammonia.”
As part of the project, the trio will also work on an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge.
If developed, it would be the world’s first such unit.
This project would contribute to the early introduction of ammonia fuel by utilizing the barge as an alternative to land facilities, the trio said.