Imabari Shipbuilding, “K” LINE, Kyokuyo Shipyard, JERA, Shin Kurushima Dockyard, NYK, and Nihon Shipyard (NSY) have agreed to develop an ammonia fuel supply chain in Japan’s Chubu region and to build and operate four ammonia-fuelled car carriers supported by the supply chain.
This project will be a comprehensive initiative to develop an integrated ammonia fuel supply chain, from the procurement of green ammonia and development of ship loading facilities to the construction of a dedicated bunkering vessel with fuel supply through ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering, and the operation of ammonia-fueled car carriers.
To address the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping as well as customers’ Scope 3 emissions, the seven companies aim to establish a stable ammonia fuel supply system through the integrated development of the supply chain . This project will be the world’s first commercial supply chain, with the Chubu region serving as the hub, integrating fuel procurement, supply infrastructure at the Hekinan terminal, and vessel operations.
By combining their respective technologies, expertise, and infrastructure, the seven companies will establish an advanced integrated business model that brings together ammonia fuel procurement and supply, the construction of ammonia-fuelled car carriers, and development of an ammonia bunkering vessel. Through this initiative, the companies will promote the decarbonization of international shipping through a Japanese industry collaboration while also supporting the broader utilization of ammonia for industrial and other applications. In doing so, they aim to contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society and the development of a low-carbon ammonia market.