NYK completes world’s first truck-to-ship Ammonia Bunkering of Ammonia-Fueled Tugboat

July 19, 2024

Ammonia-Fueled Tugboat "Sakigake"

In cooperation with JERA and Resonac to provide safe and secure fueling

On July 17, NYK supplied fuel ammonia to an NYK-owned ammonia-fueled tugboat (“A-Tug”) scheduled to become the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled vessel upon completion at the end of August. The bunkering was completed at the port of Yokohama using the truck-to-ship method,* the first time an A-Tug has ever been fueled using this method. (According to NYK research as of July 2024)

A view of the fueling

This fuel ammonia replenishment was conducted at the Honmoku Wharf of the port of Yokohama under a fuel-supply agreement that NYK concluded with JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”) in late May of this year, with the cooperation of the city of Yokohama’s Port and Harbor Bureau. The fuel ammonia replenished was ECOANN,** which is produced by Resonac Corporation (“Resonac”) at the company’s Kawasaki plant partially using recycled plastics as one of the fuel’s raw materials. ECOANN is one of the most environmentally friendly types of fuel ammonia and will be used for the sea trials of the A-Tug, which is undergoing modification at the NYK Group’s Keihin Dock Co. Ltd. After the vessel’s delivery, the charterer, Shin Nippon Kaiyosha, will be supplied with fuel ammonia by JERA.

Ammonia is attracting attention as a next-generation fuel that contributes to the fight against global warming because it does not emit carbon dioxide (CO₂) when combusted. However, due to its toxicity, adequate safety measures must be taken during replenishment. Prior to this fueling, we held numerous discussions with JERA, Resonac, and other related parties to establish safe operational methods related to fueling and a safe transportation and acceptance system to the port area. As a result, we were able to complete this world’s first fueling operation safely and smoothly.

Based on the knowledge gained through successful fuel-ammonia fueling, NYK will contribute to reducing environmental impact by promoting the use of next-generation fuels as a pioneer in the use of fuel ammonia in the shipping industry.

* Truck-to-ship method
A fuel-supply method using flexible hoses from shore-side tankers to ships.