NYK Line to convert LNG-fuelled tugboat to run on ammonia

Japanese shipping company NYK Line is working on converting an LNG-powered tugboat, Saki, to run on ammonia, it said on October 31. 

The conversion work will be carried out by NYK, IHI Power Co., Japan Shipyard Co., and Japan Engine Corporation. The entire engine, including the main engine, and fuel tank, will be replaced, so the engine room will be cut, the existing LNG-fuelled equipment will be removed, and new ammonia-fuelled equipment will be installed.

The newly built ammonia-fuelled engine has completed operational tests using actual equipment at IHI Motors Ota plant. The project is scheduled to be completed in June 2024, and after that, it will continue to be operated by Nippon Kaiyo Co., a subsidiary of NYK.