Ship-to-Ship Bunkering Boom for Fuel Ammonia Obtains AiP from ClassNK

Jul. 31, 2024

Increases safety in emergencies with a unique instantaneous take-off device developed jointly with TBG

A bunkering boom jointly developed by NYK and TB Global Technologies Ltd. (TBG) for the ship-to-ship supply of fuel ammonia received the world’s first* Approval in Principle (AiP) on July 31 for this technology from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).

TBG is Japan’s top manufacturer of cargo-handling equipment for crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other liquids. NYK and TBG will significantly enhance the safety of supplying ships with ammonia, which is highly toxic, by employing TBG's technology to ensure the liquid does not leak. Ammonia is expected to contribute to the decarbonization of ships because it does not emit CO₂ when burned.

AiP certificate issued by ClassNK

The most distinctive feature of the boom is a TBG-developed emergency-release system that allows the connection between an ammonia-fueled vessel and an ammonia bunkering vessel (ABV) to be disconnected instantly in an emergency. In acquiring the AiP, NYK provided design data for its in-house developed ABV. In addition, to improve the safety and operability of the equipment, NYK provided knowledge on the handling of ammonia gained by NYK from its ammonia-transport business and expertise gained from Kaguya, Japan's first LNG bunkering vessel. Kaguya is operated by Central LNG Marine Fuel Corporation, of which NYK is the largest shareholder.

Ammonia-fueled vessels are being researched and developed worldwide as next-generation fuel vessels friendly to the natural environment. One such vessel, an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) scheduled for delivery in November 2026, is being developed by a consortium** that includes NYK.

The bunkering boom is being developed for installation on ammonia-fueled vessels that are expected to become popular worldwide starting in the late 20s.

3D model of fuel ammonia bunkering boom

In the NYK Decarbonization Story released in November 2023, NYK set the goal of reducing the NYK Group's overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% from the fiscal 2021 level (Scope 1 + 2) by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In this context, the conversion of fuel for ships is an extremely important issue, and we are promoting the development of ships fueled by ammonia, which emits no CO₂ even when burned, and the establishment of an ammonia value chain.

NYK will continue actively promoting research and development of facilities and equipment that consider the natural environment and crew safety and contribute to reducing GHG emissions from the maritime industry while leading the world in environmental technology.

* The “world’s first” claim is as of July 31, 2024, according to TBG, the entity responsible for obtaining the AiP.

** Consortium
Comprising NYK, Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd., and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. The companies, together with ClassNK, a cooperating organization, have been promoting the development of ships equipped with domestic ammonia-fueled engines.

*** NYK Decarbonization Story
An appendix to "NYK Group ESG Story 2023" providing a supplemental explanation of the NYK Group's GHG-reduction initiatives, direction, targets, transition plans, etc., and addresses the concept of sustainable growth.
NYK Group Decarbonization Story

On March 10, 2023, the NYK Group released its medium-term management plan “Sail Green, Drive Transformations 2026 — A Passion for Planetary Wellbeing.” The NYK Group is promoting growth strategies with ESG at the core, based on the Group’s basic philosophy of “Bringing value to life” and a new corporate vision for 2030, which reads, “we go beyond the scope of a comprehensive global logistics enterprise to co-create value required for the future by advancing our core business and growing new ones.”

The NYK Group has launched its new "NYK GREEN EARTH" brand to emphasize the Group’s ESG efforts to create new value initiatives for low carbon and decarbonization through green businesses, such as an energy shift to next-generation fuels. The Group will encourage new value creation as a sustainable solution provider to strongly promote ESG management.