NYK Line, in collaboration with TB Global Technologies Ltd. (TBG), has received the world’s first Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their innovative ship-to-ship ammonia fuel supply technology.
The newly developed bunkering boom technology by NYK and TBG, Japan’s leading manufacturer of cargo-handling equipment, aims to enhance the safety of ammonia fuel transfers, a crucial factor given ammonia’s high toxicity. The boom features a TBG-developed emergency release system that allows the connection between an ammonia-fuelled vessel and an ammonia bunkering vessel (ABV) to disconnect the fuel transfer in emergencies, thereby minimising the risk of leaks.
The bunkering boom is being developed for installation on ammonia-fueled vessels that are expected to become popular worldwide starting in the late 20s.
Ammonia, noted for its zero CO2 emission when burned, is gaining attention as a potential next-generation clean fuel for ships. NYK has contributed design data and operational expertise from its ammonia transport operations and experience from Kaguya, Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel, to the development of this technology.
This development is part of a broader initiative within a consortium that includes NYK, which is also working on an ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) scheduled for delivery in November 2026.