Seven Japanese partners plan ammonia-fueled car carrier route from Chubu

Seven Japan-based companies have agreed to commercially demonstrate low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel, powering Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC) from the Chubu region. The group covers fuel procurement, supply infrastructure and new-build vessels.

JERA will procure the fuel under a binding heads of agreement with AM Green for 70,000 tonnes a year over five years. It will also build ship-loading infrastructure at an ammonia terminal near the Hekinan Thermal Power Station.

NYK Line and K Line will each own and operate two of four new ammonia dual-fuel vessels, being built by Nihon Shipyard, Imabari Shipbuilding and Shin Kurushima Dockyard. Japan Engine Corporation supplies the engines, and Kyokuyo Shipyard will build a bunkering vessel for the Hekinan hub. The target is delivery by 2030.

JERA is also building ship-loading infrastructure near the Hekinan Thermal Power Station. The group says the project will support the practicality of ammonia in the marine fuel ecosystem by 2030.

The first of the engines has already been tested: a seven-cylinder version was installed on an ammonia-fueled gas carrier built for NYK Line, and that ship is soon to start sea trials on ammonia fuel.

Source: Ammonia Energy