NYK unveils concept design for ammonia-ready ship

The design project with Elomatic began in September 2021 based on the assumption that ammonia will become a next-generation marine fuel. The concept design considers the specifications of a ship from an operational perspective, including factors such as load capacity, voyage distance, ship speed, fuel capacity, etc.

Design issues addressed included construction and placement of additional tanks for ammonia, which has a larger volume than LNG, hull structure, strength and stability due to the addition of tanks, a device that supplies ammonia to the main engine and confirmation of rules such as ship classification rules for safe use of ammonia fuel.

The companies will design a similar concept for a capesize bulk carrier and a very large crude oil carrier by June 2022. By the end of the year, they plan to develop the actual design with a shipyard and marine manufacturers. They plan to offer customers contracts in 2023 and aim to complete building of the first vessels in 2025.

NYK has set a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for its ocean-going by 2050. The NYK Group has been expanding its fleet of LNG-fuelled ships as a bridge solution to future marine fuels, such as ammonia or hydrogen.