Ammonia Ship-to-Ship Bunkering Boom earns ClassNK AIP

September 30, 2024

NYK and TB Global Technologies Ltd. (TBG) received a certificate for approval in principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for the ship-to-ship supply of fuel ammonia. The AIP was conferred last week at Gastech in Houston.

The most distinctive feature of the boom is a TBG-developed emergency-release system that allows the connection between an ammonia-fueled vessel and an ammonia bunkering vessel (ABV) to be disconnected instantly in an emergency.

L to R: Tsutomo Yokoyama, Executive
L to R: Tsutomo Yokoyama, Executive Officer, NYK; Laurent Poidevin, President and Representative Director, TBG; Hayato Suga, Senior Executive Vice President, ClassNK. Photo courtesy ClassNK

In acquiring the AiP, NYK provided design data for its in-house developed ABV. In addition, to improve the safety and operability of the equipment, NYK provided knowledge on the handling of ammonia gained by NYK from its ammonia-transport business and expertise gained from Kaguya, Japan's first LNG bunkering vessel. Kaguya is operated by Central LNG Marine Fuel Corporation, of which NYK is the largest shareholder.

Related News

NYK President Says US Tariffs Will Slow Cargo Flows White House Could Bypass UN on Deep-Sea Mining China: Missing Vessel Crew is 'Safe' After Suspected Pirate Attack HII Celebrates Shipbuilding Apprentice Graduates Flex LNG’s CEO Steps Down