NYK Line completes first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation

AFMGC is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

NYK Line and its partners have completed a ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering operation for an ammonia-fueled vessel.

The operation took place on 17 September at Japan Marine United Corporation’s Ariake Shipyard, where ammonia was transferred from the ammonia carrier Shoei Maru to an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) , which is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

The project involved NYK Line, Japan Marine United Corporation, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., and Kokuka Sangyo Co., Ltd. The bunkering was conducted in preparation for the AFMGC’s sea trials using fuel ammonia.

The companies established safety procedures and work processes for the transfer, which was completed safely. The operation provided practical experience in ammonia fuel supply and handling as the companies prepare for the use of ammonia-fueled vessels.