Yara joins Japanese NH3-fuelled ammonia carrier project

The joint research project was inaugurated in August 2020, as reported in The Motorship.

The inclusion of Yara, as a beneficial cargo owner, in the research project will permit operational requirements to be formulated accurately. The project is now intended to proceed with studies based on more specific operational requirements, including ship design and development.

The project participants note ammonia represents an alternative fuel for vessels, as it does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion. In addition, ammonia is being considered as a feedstock for energy generation in Japan.

In addition, the study is expected to evaluate the economic efficiency of establishing ammonia supply chains for both the existing fertilizer market, and for future demand from energy generation markets. As previously reported in The Motorship, Yara has particular expertise in the economics of green ammonia generation, and established a dedicated clean ammonia unit within the company in February 2021.

ClassNK added that it aims to establish international standards as soon as possible by being actively involved in R&D in the field of safety.