In Japan, NYK Line, IHI Power Systems, and ClassNK announced the completion of a three-month demonstration voyage by Sakigake, the world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled tugboat, which achieved up to 95% greenhouse gas emissions reduction while using domestically produced ammonia under Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project.
The 294-gross-ton vessel, developed under a joint initiative led by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, entered service in August 2024 and was operated by NYK Group’s Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha. The demonstration confirmed consistent ammonia co-firing rates above 90% across all main engine load levels, reaching 95.2% at full load and corresponding GHG reductions of 94%.
A commemorative ceremony marking the trial’s completion was held at the Port of Yokohama, attended by former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, METI’s Kato Akiyoshi, MLIT’s Takami Yasuhiro, and Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka.
The tugboat will remain in service in Tokyo Bay. According to NYK, the company is also developing an ammonia-fueled gas carrier for delivery in November 2026. The project is part of broader efforts to establish ammonia as a viable zero-carbon marine fuel under Japan’s 2050 decarbonization roadmap.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
