Nippon’s ammonia tug completes demo voyage
The world’s first commercial ammonia fuelled tugboat, Sakigake, has successfully completed a three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay, achieving up to a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Developed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems Co Ltd (IPS), the ammonia tug is part of Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project under its New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
“This demonstration proves that ammonia is a viable next-generation fuel,” said a spokesperson for NYK. “By reducing GHG emissions by up to 95%, we are taking a major step towards carbon neutrality in the shipping sector.”
Green milestone
The vessel, originally completed in August 2024, represents a significant milestone in green towage and alternative fuels for the maritime industry.
Throughout the trial period, NYK and IPS monitored ammonia co-firing efficiency and confirmed that GHG reductions consistently exceeded 90% across various engine loads.
A commemorative ceremony in Yokohama celebrated the milestone, attended by representatives from NEDO, NYK, IPS, ClassNK and Japan’s ministries of transport and economy.
Moving forward, the Sakigake will continue its tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay while accumulating data to enhance ammonia-fueled vessel technology.
Meanwhile, NYK and its partners are developing an ammonia-fuelled gas carrier, scheduled for delivery in November 2026, which aims to help further substantiate the use of ammonia in larger commercial vessels.
NEDO said it will continue to promote research and development of next-generation fuel vessels, including developing an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier and working toward achieving carbon neutrality in the shipping industry.
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