A Japanese cooperation between Hitachi Zosen Corporation and NYK has won a new research challenge to develop the equipment needed to eliminate nitric oxide (N2O) emissions when ammonia is heated and burned. As the industry anxiously awaits the introduction of ammonia as an alternative fuel to address decarbonization issues, NYK emphasizes the critical need to eliminate N2O emissions.
The Japanese New
Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) initiated the next cycle of continuing efforts to develop green technology in November of last year.
NEDO selected Hitachi Zosen and NYK as Next-Generation Ship Developments for the idea of constructing a N2O Reactor, which would be used on ammonia-fueled vessels as a catalytic reduction system for N2O.
They will receive money from NEDO as part of the Green Innovation Fund Project. Hitachi Zosen has a solid track record and expertise in catalytic technology, including the development of a marine vessel selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for eliminating nitrogen oxides (NOx) from marine engines.
As a result, the companies stated that minimizing N2O emissions is critical to achieving ammonia-fueled vessels that are favorably effective in lowering GHG emissions. NYK will collaborate with Hitachi Zosen to improve the equipment arrangement for vessel installation, while ClassNK will review and give its knowledge. It will carry out the necessary design verifications. The assignment will begin in 2024 and run until 2027.
NYK intends to install Hitachi Zosen’s N2O Reactor aboard an ammonia-fueled vessel slated for delivery in November 2026. NYK will also complete the essential safety and performance checks on demonstration trips. NYK, a shipping corporation, has been attempting to expand the potential for ammonia as a fuel and for transportation of ammonia.