INYK and IHI Power Systems, in collaboration ClassNK, have completed the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel for commercial use. The tugboat, named Sakigake, was unveiled on on Friday and is set to begin operations in Tokyo Bay for a three-month demonstration period.
The Sakigake is part of a Green Innovation Fund Project initiated in October 2021 by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The project aims to develop vessels equipped with domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines, marking a significant step towards sustainable maritime transportation.
Interestingly, the Sakigake isn’t a new vessel but a converted one. Its predecessor, also named Sakigake, was Japan’s first LNG-fueled vessel, completed in August 2015. After eight years of service, it underwent a transformation at NYK Group’s Keihin Dock Co., where its main engine was replaced with an ammonia-fueled one.
NYK is not stopping at tugboats. The company is currently developing an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) in partnership with several Japanese corporations. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in November 2026, further expanding the reach of ammonia-fueled technology in the shipping industry.
As the maritime industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, NYK Group’s initiative with the Sakigake marks a significant milestone. The company plans to leverage lessons from this project to promote and expand the use of ammonia-fueled vessels, contributing to the shipping industry’s overall decarbonization efforts.
Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update
Essential maritime and offshore news, insights, and updates delivered daily straight to your inbox
The waters around Japan are writing the future of the Indo-Pacific, and China doesn't like what they're saying.
A fully-laden Japan-linked oil tanker completed a rare transit of the Strait of Hormuz, as the effective closure of the waterway to most international traffic enters its third month.
Panama-flagged tanker Idemitsu Maru, carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi oil, is attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, LSEG shipping data showed on Tuesday, and is poised to be the first Japan-linked crude tanker to do so since the Iran war began.
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
