Mitsubishi Shipbuilding delivers ammonia fuel supply system to J-ENG

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has delivered an ammonia fuel supply system for large, low-speed two-stroke marine engines to J-ENG.

PHOTO: Ammonia fuel supply system. Mitsubishi Corp

Ship engine manufacturer Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) is currently testing ammonia as a fuel under different conditions in an experimental low-speed, two-stroke ship engine located at the MHI Research & Innovation Center in Nagasaki, Japan.

The ammonia fuel supply system has been supplied by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and been installed at the Nagasaki District facility. It supplies ammonia to a test engine, the company said.

With zero CO2 emissions when combusted, ammonia is gradually gaining prominence as an alternative fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shipping industry. The company also said that ammonia is expected to be used as a stable clean energy in the future and it aims to reduce GHG emissions by manufacturing and supplying ammonia fuel systems for ships.

In efforts to decarbonise the maritime industry, major engine makers around the world are investing in ammonia-powered engines. Some of the bigger industry players like Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have been looking to create alternatives that can revolutionise the energy sources ships consume.

Earlier this month, a Japanese consortium including NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard, IHI Systems, J-ENG and ClassNK initiated co-firing tests for a low-speed, two-stroke engine powered by ammonia that is set for release in 2025.

These Japanese maritime industry majors have also completed a land-based co-firing test for J-ENG’s four-stroke ammonia marine engine with an 80% ammonia-to-oil ratio. It is set to be installed on a tugboat in June 2024 and on an ammonia-fuelled gas carrier in October 2026.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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