NYK to develop Japan's first bunkering boom for ammonia

Shipping company NYK and TB Global Technologies (TBG), a manufacturer of cargo handling equipment, have teamed up to develop Japan's first ammonia bunkering boom, a specialised device used for supplying ammonia fuel between ships, NYK said on August 17.

This innovation is geared towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of ammonia supply, a highly toxic substance, to vessels, the company said. Ammonia can contribute to ship decarbonisation, as it produces no CO₂ emissions when burned.

In this venture, TBG's technology will be leveraged to ensure the leak-free transfer of ammonia, addressing a critical safety concern. The joint development will utilise TBG's expertise to prevent any potential leakage when the bunkering boom is urgently released from a ship, particularly in emergency situations such as natural disasters. This challenge has been a significant obstacle in the widespread use of ammonia as a fuel source, NYK said.

NYK will provide TBG with essential data related to the development of its ammonia bunkering vessel (ABV), which secured approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK in September 2022. Additionally, NYK will share insights gained from the operational experience of Japan's first LNG bunkering vessel, named Kaguya, which is managed by Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan Corporation, an NYK affiliate.

A bunkering boom comprises rigid pipes and hoses that connect bunkering vessels to other vessels for efficient fuel supply. Due to its construction using rigid pipes and flexible swivel joints, the boom is durable and can change direction smoothly, ensuring easy operation.