World’s 1st Commercial-Use Ammonia-Fueled Tugboat Completes Demonstration Voyage

The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, has successfully completed a three-month demonstration voyage, during which the vessel engaged in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay and achieved a GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95%.

The vessel was completed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. (IPS) on August 23, 2024, in cooperation with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) as part of a Green Innovation Fund Project under Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The development project of this vessel started in October 2021 as part of NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund Project; “Development of vessels equipped with domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines”.

It was completed in August 2024, becoming the world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel. Afterward, NYK Group company Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha engaged the vessel in a three-month demonstration voyage while conducting tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay.

NYK and IPS analyzed the ammonia co-firing and GHG-reduction rates during vessel operations and confirmed them to consistently exceed 90% and rise to approximately 95% in each of the main engine load ranges.

The demonstration tests while in tugboat operation is the world’s first trial, confirming that ammonia is one of the most viable and promising options as a next-generation fuel for vessels.

A commemorative ceremony was held at the port of Yokohama to mark the successful completion of the vessel’s three-month demonstration voyage and celebrate this Green Innovation Fund Project milestone.

Former Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry KATO Akiyoshi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism TAKAMI Yasuhiro and Mayor of Yokohama YAMANAKA Takeharu attended the ceremony.

Future Plans

The vessel will continue to be used for tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay, and NYK will continue to accumulate knowledge related to the development and operation of ammonia-fueled vessels.

In addition, NYK, Japan Engine Corporation, IPS, and Nippon Shipyard Co., Ltd. are working together to develop an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier, which is scheduled to be delivered in November 2026, also as part of NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund Project; “Development of vessels equipped with domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines”.

NYK will continue to develop and introduce next-generation fueled vessels, including ammonia-fueled vessels, and will work towards achieving net zero emissions in the shipping industry.

Press Release

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