Shin Nippon Kaiyosha has achieved a major milestone in maritime decarbonization by obtaining third-party certification for the environmental value generated through the operation of its ammonia-fueled tugboat, Sakigake. The certification, granted on September 25, 2025, marks the first time globally that the environmental benefits of an ammonia-fueled vessel have received third-party validation.
Certified Environmental Value and Global Significance
The certified environmental value represents the quantified reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions achieved through Sakigake’s towage services. Using the Book & Claim method, these certified values can be allocated to purchasers, enabling them to claim Scope 3 emission reductions. This development paves the way for transport service users to reduce indirect emissions across their supply chains, promoting wider collaboration for sustainability within the maritime sector.
The recognition also establishes a precedent for verifying GHG reductions in alternative fuel operations, signaling a new phase in sustainable shipping practices.
The Sakigake: A Pioneer in Ammonia-Fueled Technology
Selected in October 2021 under NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund project, “Development of ships with ammonia-fueled domestic engines,” Sakigake is the world’s first ammonia-fueled commercial vessel. The tugboat uses “ECOANN,” an eco-friendly ammonia fuel developed by Resonac Corporation and supplied by JERA Co., Ltd. Since its completion in August 2024, Sakigake has been operating safely in Yokohama Port, delivering low-carbon towage services.
By using fuel derived from post-consumer plastics, ECOANN not only reduces GHG emissions but also contributes to waste reduction and supports a circular economy.
This certification represents a breakthrough in validating the environmental benefits of alternative marine fuels, especially ammonia. It demonstrates how innovative collaboration across industries can drive measurable climate progress. Moving forward, NYK aims to expand its efforts in developing a comprehensive ammonia fuel value chain and promoting decarbonization across the maritime sector including the planned completion of an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) in November 2026.
