Together with IHI Power Systems, NYK Line is launching the world’s first ammonia-powered tugboat “Sakigake”.
In a next step, Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha, a member of the NYK Group, will deploy the vessel in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay during a three-month demonstration period. The Japanese classification society ClassNK has granted approval for this.
This ship is a project of the “Green Innovation Fund*2″, which was launched in October 2021 by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO). The aim is to develop ships that run on ammonia.
Tugboat switches from LNG to ammonia
The predecessor vessel, an LNG-powered tugboat of the same name, was completed in Japan in August 2015. After eight years in tug service in Tokyo Bay, the ship was converted at Keihin Dock, which belongs to the NYK Group. Among other things, the main engine was replaced.
As part of the “ClassNK Transition Support Services”, which provides comprehensive support for customers’ smooth transition to zero-emission ships, the classification society says it will continue to promote the introduction of alternative fuel ships through contributions such as the creation of safety requirements and guidelines for design and safety assessment.
