Seven major Japanese companies have agreed to jointly develop an integrated ammonia fuel supply chain and build four ammonia-fueled car carriers, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in 2030.

The project, announced on October 27, brings together NYK Line, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Imabari Shipbuilding, Shin Kurushima Dockyard, Kyokuyo Shipyard, Nihon Shipyard and Japanese energy company JERA.

Under the agreement, NYK and K LINE will each introduce two ammonia-fueled car carriers, which are expected to transport finished vehicles for customers including Toyota Motor Corporation. The four vessels will be Japan's first ammonia-fueled car carriers.

The ships will feature ammonia dual-fuel engines and fuel tanks with sufficient capacity to complete trans-Pacific voyages using ammonia alone. They will also incorporate multiple safety measures to address ammonia's toxicity and corrosiveness, including leak prevention, detection and emergency neutralization systems.

Shin Kurushima Dockyard will lead the basic design, while Imabari Shipbuilding, Shin Kurushima Dockyard and Nihon Shipyard will jointly undertake the design and construction of the vessels.

To support their operations, JERA will procure green ammonia produced using renewable energy, including supplies from India, and develop new loading facilities at its ammonia receiving terminal adjacent to the Hekinan Thermal Power Station in central Japan.

Meanwhile, Kyokuyo Shipyard will construct a dedicated ammonia bunkering vessel, also scheduled for completion in 2030. The vessel will be owned and operated by NYK or one of its wholly owned subsidiaries.

NYK and K LINE will establish a 50:50 joint venture responsible for ammonia fuel sales and supply. The venture will provide ship-to-ship bunkering services, primarily at the ports of Nagoya and Mikawa.

According to the seven companies, the initiative aims to establish the world's first commercial ammonia fuel supply chain integrating fuel procurement, terminal infrastructure, bunkering operations and ammonia-powered vessels.

By connecting fuel production and supply with actual shipping demand, the project represents a significant step toward the commercial deployment of ammonia as an alternative marine fuel.