JAPAN REPORT
NYK has announced the completion of an ammonia-fueled tugboat, which was produced through research and development in cooperation with IHI and ClassNK. This is the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel designed for commercial use. It will be used for commercial operations in Tokyo Bay during a three-month demonstration voyage.
Source: New Energy News
PSR Analysis: Tugboats, which are also used to tow large ships, are equipped with high power engines. The completion of such a commercial vessel equipped with a high power engine is significant in that it expands the options for the practical application of ammonia fuel technology in the commercial marine sector.
Ammonia is attracting attention in the shipping industry as decarbonized fuel, and research and development continues to progress. However, since hydrogen, the raw material for ammonia, is often derived from fossil fuels such as natural gas, CO2 is often generated in the production process of Ammonia. The challenge now is to improve the availability of ammonia fuel, including the development of a supply chain, and to reduce CO2 emissions during production. PSR
Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research
