NYK claims world’s first ammonia tug

Using the truck-to-ship method at the port of Yokohama, Sakigake was fuelled with ‘Ecoann’ ammonia produced by the Resonac Corporation, partly using recycled plastics as a raw material.

Sea trials of the ’A-Tug’ will use this fuel once the vessel has been modified and delivered to charterer Shin Nippon Kaiyosha. Once delivered, the vessel will be powered by ammonia produced by Jera, the Japanese energy giant that has said it aims to focus on LNG, renewables, hydrogen and ammonia for its growth strategy.

“Ammonia is attracting attention as a next-generation fuel,” says NYK. “However, due to its toxicity, adequate safety measures must be taken during replenishment. Prior to this fuelling, we held numerous discussions with JERA, Resonac, and other related parties to establish safe operational methods related to fuelling and a safe transportation and acceptance system to the port area.

“As a result, we were able to complete this world’s first fuelling operation safely and smoothly.”

NYK, Resonac and JERA, all headquartered in Tokyo, began a joint study on the use of ammonia as a fuel in December.

It looks at safe operation methods of supplying ammonia as a fuel; establishing a system to transport and receive it to and from the port area; and lobbying the relevant authorities to formulate rules on supplying ammonia as a marine fuel.