On July 25, the tugboat Sakigake, operated by the NYK Group's Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha in Tokyo Bay, completed its last bunkering at Yokohama Shinko pier as a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled vessel. A special ceremony was held in Yokohama to mark this occasion, attended by Tokyo Gas Engineering Solutions Co., Ltd., Tokyo Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd., and Nippon Oil Transportation Co., Ltd.

Since its service commencement in 2015, the vessel has carried out 183 bunkering operations as an LNG-powered tugboat. However, in line with NYK's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Sakigake is scheduled to undergo conversion work in autumn this year and will be recommissioned the following year as an ammonia-fueled tugboat. This transformation is expected to further lower emissions and contribute to NYK's green initiatives.

Last year, NYK signed a contract with Keihin Dock Co., Ltd., an NYK Group company, for the modification of the tugboat to ammonia-fuel specifications. This effort is part of the Green Innovation Fund Project*, a collaboration between NYK and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. (IPS), initiated in October 2021 as part of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization's (NEDO) development of domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines.

NYK is committed to creating value initiatives for low carbon and decarbonization through various green businesses, including the transition to next-generation fuels like ammonia. Recently, NYK received ClassNK's approval in principle (AiP) for the design of an ammonia and liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carrier, developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co.

This transformation of Sakigake from LNG to ammonia propulsion represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping industry. NYK's efforts align with the global push to embrace greener technologies and contribute to combating climate change.