The World’s First Ammonia-Fueled Vessel Completes Successful Demonstration Voyage

The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, recently completed a groundbreaking three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay. Owned by NYK, the vessel has showcased a remarkable greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction of up to approximately 95 percent, highlighting the potential of ammonia as a sustainable maritime fuel.

The 272-ton tug Sakigake, originally built in 2015 as Japan’s first LNG-fueled tug, was chosen for this pioneering project. Initially introduced as a proof of concept for alternative fuel operations in its class, the vessel has once again taken on a leading role in demonstrating the viability of ammonia-fueled propulsion.

The conversion of Sakigake was completed on August 23, 2024, by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems Co., in collaboration with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). This initiative was part of a Green Innovation Fund Project sponsored by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The project, initiated in October 2021, focused on developing vessels equipped with domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines. Through collective efforts, the LNG-fueled propulsion system was replaced with a new ammonia-fueled system, making Sakigake the world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, following in the footsteps of Fortescue’s offshore support vessel.

During the three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay, NYK Group company Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha operated Sakigake while conducting tugboat operations. Analysis by NYK and IPS revealed that the vessel consistently achieved a GHG emission reduction of over 90 percent, with peaks of up to 95 percent depending on engine load rates.

Following the successful demonstration, Sakigake will continue its service in Tokyo Bay, allowing NYK to further enhance its knowledge and expertise in the development and operation of ammonia-fueled vessels.

Looking ahead, NYK, Japan Engine Corporation, IPS, and Nippon Shipyard Co. are collaborating on the development of an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier, set to be delivered in November 2026. This project, also supported by NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund, aligns with NYK’s commitment to advancing next-generation fueled vessels.