The join study drew on the companies’ broad experience in the energy supply chain, in order to respond to increasing demands for ammonia-fuelled ships.
Since ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned, it is expected to be used as a stable source of clean energy in the future, and is getting attention as a fuel that will greatly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has made use of its knowledge of the design and production of multi-purpose liquefied gas carriers, which are capable of transporting ammonia, in furthering conceptual considerations for a highly flexible ammonia bunkering vessel having enough tank capacity, ship manoeuvrability, and bunkering equipment that ensures compatibility with various ammonia-fuelled vessels expected to be served.
The shipbuilder will carry out further technical investigations, with the cooperation of maritime-related companies, ahead of setting sights on the vessel’s commercialisation.
The company is an integral part of MHI Group’s Energy Transition strategy, and will continue to focus on developing and commercialising not only ammonia bunkering vessels, but alternative fuel vessels and relevant equipment in order to realise a carbon neutral society.
Mabanaft and Hapag-Lloyd recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate options for the supply of ammonia as bunker fuel to Hapag-Lloyd in and around the Port of Hamburg, Germany and also the Port of Houston, Texas, USA.
Together, they will assess the viability of and the options for the safe handling of clean ammonia as a bunker fuel in and around the Port of Hamburg, and evaluate the commercial, technical, and regulatory requirements and engage with all relevant stakeholders. In a second step, a similar assessment will be carried out for the Port of Houston.
Read more: Mabanaft and Hapag-Lloyd to evaluate supply of clean ammonia as bunker fuel in Germany and US