Mitsui OSK Line has announced the inking of an agreement with Namura Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company that will see the joint development of a large-size ammonia carrier - also powered by ammonia fuel.
“Currently, ammonia is used mainly as a raw material for fertiliser, but its maritime transport volume is limited,” says MOL president and CEO, Takeshi Hashimoto.
“However, it is expected to be in a great demand in the future as a next-generation clean energy source that emits no carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion, mainly for use in mixed combustion at coal thermal power plants and for use as a hydrogen carrier.
“Ammonia is also positioned as an important option to achieve carbon neutrality. Annual demand in Japan is estimated at three million tons by 2030, and 30m by 2050.”
To meet this increased demand, says Hashimoto, “the line will develop a large-size ammonia carrier and contribute to a decarbonised society by offering safe, high-quality, and reliable transport of this clean energy resource”.
MOL will establish a collaborative framework with each company to order the ship's main engine, currently in development, which uses ammonia as its main fuel, with the goal of introducing it as quickly as possible.
The jointly developed carrier will adopt an ammonia-fuelled main engine to promote reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from MOL-operated vessels.
