Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has completed a conceptual study, in a joint effort with Mitsui OSK Lines, (MOL), on a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) for ammonia.
The study is aimed at promoting utilisation of ammonia as an energy source that contributes to decarbonisation, and the global introduction of ammonia FSRU technology.
Ammonia FSRU is a floating facility for receiving and storing ammonia which is transported in a liquid state from its production area, and the stored ammonia is then heated and regasified onboard for transfer to an onshore pipeline. Ammonia FSRU can be constructed at a lower cost and in a shorter time than onshore ammonia storage and regasification plants. At a time when global interest in usage of ammonia is increasing, the application of Ammonia FSRU in place of onshore storage and regasification plants is expected to contribute to an earlier and stable supply of ammonia fuel.
In the newly completed conceptual study, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding conducted case studies of FSRUs with different specifications according to the ammonia’s supply conditions, regasification method and tank capacity, in order to respond to a wide range of demands, and eventually developed designs of a more environmentally friendly Ammonia FSRU. The study covered the feasibility of employing ammonia fuel to generate the power required for the operation of the FSRU itself.
In addition, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has concluded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MOL and Kansai Electric Power Co whereby the parties will examine the possibilities of future introduction of the Ammonia FSRU. They are aiming at realisation of the first Ammonia FSRU, based on Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s experience in ammonia handling technologies.
Ammonia is now mainly used as a raw material of fertilisers, and although the volume of maritime transportation is limited so far, the demand is expected to increase in the future as a next-generation clean energy that does not emit CO2 when burned. In the global trend toward decarbonisation, movements toward making strategic use of ammonia are increasing, especially in Asia.
