The Era of Green Shipping: Sakigake Sets Sail as World’s First Ammonia-Fueled Vessel
In a groundbreaking achievement for the maritime industry, the world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, has successfully completed a three-month demonstration voyage, showcasing a remarkable GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95%.
Developed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems (IPS) in collaboration with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), Sakigake was launched on August 23, 2024, under Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Green Innovation Fund Project.
The journey of creating this revolutionary vessel began in October 2021 and culminated in August 2024, marking a significant milestone as the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled ship.
During a three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay, NYK Group’s Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha rigorously tested Sakigake’s performance, analyzing the ammonia co-firing and GHG-reduction rates. The results were nothing short of impressive, consistently exceeding 90% and reaching a peak of approximately 95% across different main engine load ranges.
This successful trial not only validates the viability of ammonia as a next-generation fuel for vessels but also highlights its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector.
As Sakigake continues its operations in Tokyo Bay for tugboat services, NYK remains committed to furthering its expertise in the development and operation of ammonia-fueled vessels. The company is also collaborating with Japan Engine Corporation, IPS, and Nippon Shipyard to develop an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier, slated for delivery in November 2026.
The successful voyage of Sakigake heralds a new era of sustainable shipping, paving the way for cleaner and greener maritime transportation. With continued innovation and investment in alternative fuels, the industry is poised to reduce its environmental impact and embrace a more sustainable future on the high seas.