NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard, ClassNK, and IHI Corporation signed a joint research and development agreement for the commercialisation of an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge.
In Japan, technological development is underway for ammonia fuel mixed combustion power generation at coal-fired power plants as a next-generation thermal power generation technology that contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
“NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard, ClassNK, and IHI Corporation signed a joint research and development agreement for the commercialisation of an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge.” “/ / 
Source: NYK
NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard, ClassNK, and IHI Corporation signed a joint research and development agreement for the commercialisation of an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge.
The storage and regasification barge could receive and store ammonia that has been transported via ship as a liquid and then warm and regasify it according to demand. The ammonia could then be piped onshore for use.
The barge concept offers the advantages of shorter construction time and lower costs in comparison to construction of onshore storage tanks and regasification plants.
In August 2020, NYK Line, Japan Marine United Corporation (a major shareholder in Nihon Shipyard) and ClassNK started joint project relating to development of the barge. The new joint agreement brings in IHI, an ammonia-related equipment manufacturer.
The parties aim to provide a solution for introducing ammonia fuel mixed combustion to coal-fired power plants that domestic electric power companies are currently working on.
