In December 2023, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems Co., and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. signed a series of contracts to construct the world’s first ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) equipped with Japan-made engines. This AFMGC is scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the ClassNK reported on 15 January 2024
2. Vessel Overview
| Type | 40,000 m3 type ammonia fuel ammonia carrier |
| Planned delivery date | November 2026 |
| Shipbuilder | Japan Marine United Corporation, Ariake Shipyard |
| Engines | 1. Main engine: ammonia fuel dual-fuel two-stroke engine produced by Japan Engine Corporation 2. Auxiliary engine: ammonia fuel dual-fuel four-stroke engine produced by IHI Power Systems The main engine is an engine that turns a propeller to propel the ship.An auxiliary engine is an engine that drives the generator that provides the ship’s electricity. |
| Major technical development elements | 1. Development of ammonia fuel dual-fuel engineAmmonia fuel dual-fuel engines must co-fire ammonia with fuel oil as pilot fuel. On the other hand, a high ammonia co-firing ratio is required to achieve a high GHG reduction rate. The consortium aims to achieve the following co-firing rates: ■ Main engine: an ammonia fuel mixed combustion rate up to 95%■ Auxiliary engine: an ammonia fuel mixed combustion rate of 80% or more■ Entire ship: GHG reduction rate of 80% or more 2. Development of ammonia-fueled carrier- As a hull form optimized for ammonia transport, the design was developed to allow ammonia loading at total capacity.- Since it is essential to establish a hull form and safety system that protects the crew from toxicity, the consortium realized a design that overcomes the biggest challenge of ammonia marine fuel utilization: toxicity. |
Toward the completion of the vessel in November 2026, the consortium will manufacture the main and auxiliary engines, begin detailed studies for the vessel’s construction, and prepare an operation manual for actual operation. After the ship is completed, the consortium will continue to operate the vessel for demonstration purposes to confirm the vessel’s performance, including environmental friendliness and the practicality of the operation manual, and to provide user feedback to shipbuilders and marine equipment manufacturers for further improvements. We will strive to build a development cycle as a “first mover” in developing ammonia-fueled vessels.
Image of ClassNK
Describe more in press release https://shorturl.at/fpsP2
