NYK Group has signed two heads of agreements with JERA covering the marine transport of low-carbon ammonia, in a move expected to enable Japan’s first commercial shipment of fuel ammonia.
The agreements were signed by NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd. and relate to time-charter contracts for two ammonia carriers. Under the arrangements, the vessels will transport low-carbon ammonia produced at JERA’s Blue Point Project in Louisiana, US, to the Hekinan Thermal Power Station in Aichi Prefecture.
Ammonia is already widely used in fertilisers and chemical production, but is increasingly being positioned as a next-generation clean energy carrier due to its carbon-free combustion. In addition to power generation, it is also being explored as a future marine fuel as the shipping industry looks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
NYK Group and JERA have been working together to study the safe transport of fuel ammonia by large ocean-going vessels, including operational, safety management and cargo handling requirements. The latest agreements are expected to accelerate efforts toward commercialisation, while supporting the establishment of a stable low-carbon ammonia supply chain.
NYK Group said it will continue to advance initiatives to build value chains for next-generation fuels, including ammonia, through marine transportation.
