Seven Japanese companies have agreed to establish an integrated ammonia fuel supply chain in Japan’s Chubu region and build and operate four ammonia-fuelled pure car carriers, connecting fuel procurement, bunkering infrastructure and vessel operations in a single commercial initiative.
The joint announcement, issued on 27 October 2026, brings together Imabari Shipbuilding, “K” LINE, Kyokuyo Shipyard, JERA, Shin Kurushima Dockyard, NYK and Nihon Shipyard.
Four ammonia-fuelled car carriers due in 2030
NYK and “K” LINE will each introduce two vessels, with all four scheduled for completion in 2030. According to the companies, these will be Japan’s first ammonia-fuelled car carriers, expected to transport finished vehicles for customers including Toyota Motor Corporation.
The vessels will feature dual-fuel engines and ammonia tank capacity sufficient to make trans-Pacific voyages using ammonia fuel alone. Shin Kurushima Dockyard will lead basic design, with construction undertaken jointly with Imabari Shipbuilding and Nihon Shipyard.
Integrated fuel procurement and ship-to-ship bunkering
JERA will procure green ammonia, including potential supplies from India, and develop loading infrastructure at the ammonia terminal adjacent to the Hekinan Thermal Power Station. Kyokuyo Shipyard will build a dedicated ammonia bunkering vessel, also targeted for completion in 2030.
The bunkering vessel will be owned and operated by NYK or a wholly owned subsidiary. NYK and “K” LINE plan to establish an equally owned fuel sales joint venture to deliver ammonia via ship-to-ship bunkering, primarily in the ports of Nagoya and Mikawa.
Safety measures and decarbonisation
Recognising ammonia’s toxicity and corrosiveness, the project will incorporate multiple layers of safety protection, including leak prevention and detection systems and measures to neutralise ammonia in the event of a release.
Ammonia produces no CO₂ when combusted, although its full lifecycle emissions depend on production and supply methods. The partners aim to create what they describe as the world’s first commercial supply chain integrating ammonia procurement, fuel infrastructure and vessel operations, supporting the decarbonisation of international shipping and customers’ Scope 3 emissions.
Source: NYK official joint press release, 27 October 2026. Photo: NYK.
#NYK #KLine #JERA #AmmoniaFuel #CarCarriers #GreenShipping #AmmoniaBunkering #Shipbuilding #MaritimeDecarbonization
