Japanese shipping and logistics company NYK has supplied fuel ammonia to its ammonia-fueled tugboat (“A-Tug”), which is set to become the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled vessel upon completion at the end of August. The bunkering was conducted at the port of Yokohama using the truck-to-ship method, marking the first time this method has been used for an A-Tug, according to NYK research as of July 2024. Truck-to-ship is a fuel-supply method using flexible hoses from shore-side tankers to ships.
This fuel ammonia replenishment took place at Honmoku Wharf in Yokohama under a fuel-supply agreement between NYK and JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”) made in late May this year, with the cooperation of the city’s Port and Harbor Bureau. The replenished fuel ammonia is ECOANN and is produced by Resonac Corporation (“Resonac”) at its Kawasaki plant, using partially recycled plastics as one of the raw materials. ECOANN is one of the most environmentally friendly types of fuel ammonia and will be used for the A-Tug’s sea trials, which is currently being modified at the NYK Group’s Keihin Dock Co. Ltd. Once delivered, Shin Nippon Kaiyosha, the charterer, will receive fuel ammonia from JERA.
Ammonia is gaining attention as a next-generation fuel that helps combat global warming because it does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned. However, due to its toxicity, stringent safety measures are required during replenishment. Before this fueling, NYK held extensive discussions with JERA, Resonac, and other related parties to establish safe operational methods for fueling and ensure a secure transportation and acceptance system at the port.
