NYK has announced it has begun the conversion of LNG-fuelled Sakigake to an ammonia-fuelled tugboat at the Oppama factory of Keihin Dock Co. Ltd.
As previously reported, in August 2022 NYK concluded a contract for the modification of the vessel, which is operated in Tokyo Bay by the NYK Group’s Shin-Nihon Kaiyosha. The vessel completed its final LNG bunkering operation in July of this year.
To replace the entire engine, including the main engine and fuel tank, the engine room will be cut to remove the existing LNG-fuelled equipment and install the new ammonia-fuelled machinery.
‘The new engine has been tested at IHI Power Systems’ Ota Plant (Gunma Prefecture) to confirm virtually zero emissions from the unburned ammonia and the nitrous oxide (N2O), which has a greenhouse effect about 300 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2),’ NYK said in a statement today (31 October).
The Sakigake is scheduled for delivery in June 2024. It will continue to be operated by Shin-Nihon Kaiyosha.
Image: NYK