Land-Based Test of Ammonia-Fueled 4-Stroke Completed
Source: NYK
A consortium consisting of NYK Line, IHI Power Systems, Nihon Shipyard, Japan Engine Corporation and ClassNK have confirmed that the world's first four-stroke ammonia-fueled engine has successfully completed a land-based test for the stable combustion of ammonia at an 80% co-firing ratio.
The test is part of a demonstration project for the commercialization of vessels equipped with domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines and included testing of a fuel supply system and exhaust gas aft-treatment. The tests confirmed that emissions of N2O and unburnt ammonia were virtually zero, and there was no ammonia leakage from any equipment during operation and after shutdown.
The project was initiated in October 2021 as part of the Green Innovation Fund Project of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). IHI Power commenced operational tests on the 280mm bore four-stroke engine at its Ota plant in April 2023.
The engine designed to be a main engine for coastal vessels and tugs. It will be installed on an ammonia-fueled tug, A-Tug, which will be completed in June 2024. Keihin Dock Co., which is converting the tug to ammonia, and Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha, the vessel manager, participated in the inspection of the demonstration equipment.
The consortium partners plan to develop a 250 mm bore engine suitable for operating as an auxiliary engine on an oceangoing vessel. That engine will be installed on an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier scheduled for delivery in October 2026.
