Mitsui O.S.K teams up with JERA to develop ammonia carriers
Rendering of an ammonia-fueled type J-Flex ammonia carrier (Source: MOL)
Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with JERA, Japan's biggest power generator, to study development of a new type of gas carriers to transport fuel-grade ammonia.
The study will include looking at ammonia shipments to JERA's Hekinan power station in the Aichi prefecture in Japan, which is scheduled to start commercial operations towards the end of the decade. "With ammonia emerging as a next-generation clean energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide during combustion, large-scale demand for ammonia is expected in the future, particularly for co-firing and as a hydrogen carrier in coal-fired power plants," MOL said.
Through the agreement, MOL and JERA will study developing ammonia carriers suitable for supplying Japanese thermal electric power stations and receiving stations, the building of fuel ammonia transportation and receiving systems, and installing and operating propulsion engines that use ammonia as ship fuel. The companies will also work with relevant parties to foster regulations regarding ammonia fuel, MOL added.
