First Ammonia-Fueled Tug Completes Three Months Demonstrating GHG Reduction

Three month demonstration results confirmed a nearly total reduction in GHG emissions for the ammonia-fueled tugboat (NYK). Photo credit The Maritime Executive.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, completed a three-month demonstration voyage. Engaged in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay, NYK which owns the vessel reports it achieved a GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95 percent. They believe it illustrates the potential of ammonia as a maritime fuel.

The 272-ton tug Sakigake, which was built in 2015 as Japan’s first LNG-fueled tug, was selected for the pioneering project. When it was introduced a decade ago, the tug which is 122 feet (37 meters) in length was viewed as a proof of concept for alternative fuel operations in the class. It is again taking that role for ammonia-fueled propulsion. Go to this link to read the full article published by The Maritime Executive https://maritime-executive.com/article/first-ammonia-fueled-tug-completes-three-months-demonstrating-ghg-reduction