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NYK and ClassNK in nitrous oxide reactor for ammonia engines project

A device for removing nitrous oxide emissions from ammonia engine exhaust will be installed on an NYK Line vessel in 2026.

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

March 8, 2024

1 Min Read
A mock up of NYK's AFAGC
NYK

The project was chosen by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as a "Next Generation Ship Development" as part of Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project.

The demonstration project aims to address one black mark against the green credentials of ammonia as a marine fuel - the formation of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the exhaust. Owing to its high global warming potential at around 300 times that of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide emissions threaten to offset the benefits of using ammonia to decarbonise shipping.

A catalytic removal system will remove the N2O produced burning ammonia in a system known as a N2O reactor. Hitachi Zosen has experience in catalytic technology in the maritime industry, including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for removing nitrogen oxides in exhausts.

Hitachi Zosen will develop and install an N2O reactor for an ammonia-fuelled marine two-stroke engine. The system will be installed on an NYK Line vessel due for delivery in November 2026, with NYK responsible for optimising the system placement, operating the demonstration system, and establishing and verifying the control system requirements.

ClassNK in its role as a partner organisation will verify safety of the N2O reactor and conduct research on the development of international guidelines around the technology.

Related:Enova grants $14m to Höegh ammonia car carrier project

About the Author

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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