NYK Line, along with Japan Marine United Corporation, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., and Kokuka Sangyo Co., Ltd., completed the first ammonia loading operation onto an ammonia-fueled ship on September 17, 2026. This operation was conducted at a dedicated platform at the Ariake port, owned by Japan Marine United Corporation, and involved transferring ammonia fuel from the ammonia carrier Shoei Maru to a medium-sized ammonia-fueled gas carrier (AFMGC).
Loading Operation Details
The loading operation was carried out using the ship-to-ship (STS) loading method and was planned to prepare the AFMGC for sea trials with ammonia fuel. This AFMGC is currently in the final stages of construction, with delivery scheduled for November 2026.
This symbolic success not only represents an important initiative in green fuel technology but also executes a necessary operation for the practical deployment of ammonia-fueled ships. Ammonia, as a next-generation marine fuel, can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions in international transportation due to its lack of carbon dioxide (CO₂) production during combustion.
Challenges and Benefits of Using Ammonia
However, the toxicity of ammonia makes related processes challenging, and establishing safe and reliable operations for its practical use remains a significant challenge. Nevertheless, this loading operation was conducted safely through extensive discussions among the involved companies and based on established safety procedures and work processes, gathering valuable operational results in the field of safe fuel supply.
This operation serves as a pioneering example of the fuel supply framework needed for the widespread adoption of ammonia-fueled ships. The delivery of the AFMGC in November 2026 marks an important milestone toward the commercial use of ammonia as fuel and the establishment of the ammonia supply chain.
