NYK Line’s newbuild set to get two-stroke ammonia engine

Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has announced that it will install its two-stroke ammonia engine on compatriot shipping company NYK Line’s newbuild.

IMAGE: J-ENG's two-stroke ammonia engine. J-ENG

The engine will be installed on NYK Line’s ammonia-capable medium gas carrier (MGC) newbuild.

The vessel is being constructed by Japan Marine United and will enter service in November 2026, J-ENG said.

The low-speed two-stroke ammonia engine can burn ammonia at a high co-firing ratio without becoming unstable, J-ENG said. Co-firing refers to the simultaneous use of two fuels within the same system. The engine also prevents the combustion process from producing excessive nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, J-ENG said.

The engine has been developed under the Green Innovation Fund Projects backed by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

As the shipping industry pursues decarbonisation, ammonia is gaining traction as an alternative marine fuel because it produces no CO2 emissions during combustion. However, its toxicity makes safe onboard handling essential.

J-ENG will continue to evaluate the engine’s durability and performance under operating conditions after the vessel enters service.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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