VLCC design: bridging the gap between LNG and ammonia

In this respect, in August 2022, NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard Co (NSY), ClassNK, and IHI Corp signed a joint research and development agreement for the commercialisation of an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge (A-FSRB).

In addition, NYK Line has signed a contract with Keihin Dock Co, part of the NYK Group, to modify LNG-fuelled tugboat Sakigake, operated by Shin Nihon Kaisha, also an NYK Group company, to ammonia fuel specifications, aiming for completion in 2024.

Conversion from LNG to ammonia power presents several challenges in that the lower energy density of ammonia compared to LNG, a larger fuel tank capacity is needed in order to maintain the same level of endurance.

This reduces the space for cargo loading, as well as the loadable cargo weight and the larger fuel tank and additional fuel tanks affect ship stability and hull strength.

NYK Line has set a long-term target of net-zero emissions of greenhouse gas by 2050 for the NYK Group’s ocean-going businesses, and aims at launching zero-emission ships that run on low-environmental-load marine fuels, such as ammonia or hydrogen, in the future.

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