NYK completes concept design for ammonia-ready vessels

The three companies are positioning the ammonia-ready vessels as a next-bridge solution for the realization of future zero-emission vessels. In the future, the three companies will proceed with the actual design of with shipyards and marine equipment manufacturers.

The concept design currently includes ship specifications such as overall length and width, load capacity, voyage distance, and ship speed.

In March 2022, the concept designs of a pure car carrier and a post-Panamax bulk carrier were completed as Phase 1 of the project.

The main challenges in designing and developing these ammonia-ready vessels include the larger fuel tanks required due to ammonia’s lower energy density. To maintain the same level of endurance, the the space for cargo loading, as well as the loadable cargo weight, is reduced. A bigger fuel tank and additional fuel tanks also affect ship stability and hull strength. Ventilation must be designed in consideration of the extreme toxicity of ammonia.

Compared to a conventional LNG-fuelled vessel, the new concept design is expected to feature a conversion cost reduction of 12% for a capsize bulk carrier and 25% for a VLCC.

NYK has set a long-term target of net-zero emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) by 2050 for the NYK Group’s oceangoing businesses and aims at launching zero-emission ships that run on low-environmental-load marine fuels, such as ammonia or hydrogen, in the future.