ITOCHU, Nihon Shipyard, ClassNK, and MPA Sign MoU for Ammonia-Fueled Bulk Carriers Joint Study
Tokyo – ITOCHU Corporation, ClassNK, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct a joint study on the design and safety specifications of ammonia-fueled ships. These ships are currently being developed by ITOCHU and its partners.
Ammonia is emerging as a promising marine fuel solution for decarbonizing the maritime sector. Collaborating with governmental bodies on the specifications for ammonia-fueled ships is crucial for their successful implementation. As part of the MoU, MPA, the government agency overseeing the world’s busiest bunkering hub, will review and provide feedback on the designs to ensure the safe operation of these ships.
The MoU focuses on the development of 200,000 deadweight ton class bulk carriers, which will be built by Nihon Shipyard with ammonia dual-fueled engines. This development is part of the “Integrated Project for Development and Social Implementation of Ammonia-Fueled Ships,” adopted under the “Green Innovation Fund Project / Development Project for Next-Generation Ships / Development of Ammonia-Fueled Ship” by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in October 2021. The collaboration will clarify the necessary specifications for ammonia bunkering in Singapore, aiming for the commercialization of ammonia-fueled ships.
ClassNK, as a classification society, will provide insights on safety and environmental protection, as well as information on the alternative design approval process. Committed to various decarbonization initiatives, ClassNK will continue to contribute to society through safety assessments and information provision.
