The world’s first commercial ammonia-fuelled vessel, Sakigake, has successfully concluded a three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay, achieving GHG emission reductions of up to approximately 95 per cent.
Completed in August 2024 by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. (IPS), the tugboat was developed under Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project, administered by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
The project also involved classification society ClassNK.
Development began in October 2021 with the goal of equipping vessels with domestically produced ammonia-fuelled engines. The Sakigake was subsequently operated by NYK Group company Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha over the course of the demonstration.
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According to NYK and IPS, the trial showed that ammonia co-firing and GHG-reduction rates consistently exceeded 90 per cent across all main engine load ranges.
At full load, the ammonia co-firing rate reached 95.2 per cent, with a GHG reduction rate of 94 per cent compared to heavy fuel oil. Even at lower engine loads, co-firing and reduction rates remained above 90 per cent.
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This marks the first time a vessel has demonstrated ammonia-fuelled operations in real tugboat conditions, offering significant validation of ammonia as a next-generation marine fuel.
The vessel will continue tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay as NYK expands its understanding of ammonia-powered ship operations.
Looking ahead, NYK, Japan Engine Corporation, IPS, and Nippon Shipyard Co., Ltd. are jointly developing an ammonia-fuelled ammonia gas carrier, with delivery expected in November 2026. This project is also supported by NEDO.
Just recently, the Port of Hueneme and NYK Line signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Green Automotive Shipping Corridor between Japan and Southern California. The MoU aims to explore innovative and sustainable shipping practices, with an emphasis on reducing GHG emissions, advancing energy efficiency, and promoting the use of alternative fuels and zero-emission technologies.
