NYK and Hitachi Zosen Corporation, have put forward a shared proposal for the creation of an N2O reactor intended for a ship fueled by ammonia.
In July 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set a target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from international marine transportation by or around 2050. To achieve this target, it is imperative to prioritize R&D towards the creation of next-generation ships that do not emit GHGs. In particular, the development of technology to convert marine fuel from conventional fossil fuels to alternative fuels such as ammonia, which emits no carbon dioxide (CO2) when combusted, is being promoted as GI Fund Projects.
The project jointly proposed by Hitachi Zosen and NYK aims to develop a catalytic removal system (hereinafter N2O Reactor) for nitrous oxide (N2O) emitted when ammonia is used as fuel. N2O’s global warming potential is about 300 times that of CO2. Therefore, reducing N2O emissions is essential in order to realize ammonia-fueled ships that are highly effective in reducing GHG emissions. By developing and disseminating an N2O Reactor, we are aiming for the early realization of a carbon-neutral in international maritime transport.
NYK plans to install the N2O Reactor developed by Hitachi Zosen on an ammonia-fueled ship scheduled to be delivered in November 2026. NYK conducts safety and performance verification on demonstration voyages. As a partner organization, ClassNK will conduct safety verification of N2O reactors and basic research on the development of international guidelines.
ClassNK, as a partner organization, will conduct safety verification of N2O reactors and basic research on the development of international guidelines.