NYK Showcases Industry-Leading Efforts Toward the Practical
During the recent 12th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12), held in London from September 14 to 18, NYK Group presented its groundbreaking efforts in the deployment of ammonia-fueled vessels. This includes insights from the operation of the Sakigake, the world’s first commercially operated ammonia-fueled tugboat, which has been in operation since August 2024. NYK also announced the upcoming delivery of an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) set to launch in November this year.
Operational Insights and Safety Measures
At the heart of NYK’s presentation was the operational experience gathered from Sakigake, which has been a pioneer in utilizing ammonia as fuel for maritime operations. Over the past two years, the tugboat has demonstrated the viability of ammonia as a fuel source, significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry. NYK’s Managing Executive Officer, Carl-Johan Hagman, shared these insights with representatives from various countries and organizations, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainability.
During the session, NYK also discussed its safety philosophy regarding ammonia-fueled vessels. This includes thorough crew training programs and safety measures developed to ensure the secure operation of these innovative ships. Jun Kato, General Manager of NYK’s Engineering Development Group, highlighted the background of the ammonia-fueled vessel project, which began in 2021 under Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project facilitated by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
Presentation of Model Ship and Technical Seminar
In a notable event on September 14, NYK donated a model ship of Sakigake to the IMO. The presentation took place during a ceremony attended by influential figures, including IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. This gesture aimed to underline NYK’s initiatives in developing ammonia-fueled vessels and promoting sustainable practices within the maritime industry.
Further emphasizing the importance of safety and operational knowledge, the IMO hosted a technical seminar on September 17, where Kato provided details on the ammonia-fueled vessels and their safety measures. Accompanying him were the Master and Chief Engineer of Sakigake, who shared valuable experiences and challenges faced during the vessel’s operation. Their contributions highlighted the practical aspects of managing ammonia-fueled vessels and reinforced NYK’s commitment to sharing knowledge within the industry.
As NYK continues to build on its experiences and insights from the operation of Sakigake, the company is focused on promoting the broader adoption of ammonia-fueled vessels. Their efforts aim to establish a sustainable ammonia value chain, ultimately contributing to achieving carbon neutrality in international shipping.
