ClassNK is working with Hitachi Zosen Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) on a joint project to develop an N2O reactor for ammonia-fuelled ships has been selected by the Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) as a ‘Next-Generation Ship Development’, having been chosen in November 2023 as part of Green Innovation Fund (GI Fund) Projects.
In order to achieve IMO’s net-zero GHG reduction target, the two companies believe it imperative to prioritise R&D towards the creation of next-generation ships that do not emit GHGs. In particular, the development of technology to convert marine fuel from conventional fossil fuels to alternative fuels such as ammonia, which emits no CO2 when combusted, is being promoted under GI Fund Projects.
The project jointly proposed by Hitachi Zosen and NYK aims to develop a nitrous oxide (N2O) catalytic removal system (N2O Reactor) to remove N2O emitted when ammonia is used as fuel. N2O’s global warming potential is considered be about 300 times that of CO2. Therefore, reducing N2O emissions is essential in order to realise ammonia-fuelled ships that are effective in reducing GHG emissions. By developing and disseminating an N2O Reactor, the project aims for the early realisation of carbon neutrality in international maritime transport.
Hitachi Zosen has a strong track record and know-how in catalytic technology, including the development of a marine vessel selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) in marine engines. In this project, Hitachi Zosen develops catalysts and equipment to reduce N2O for marine two-stroke engines and optimises equipment layout. NYK plans to install the N2O Reactor developed by Hitachi Zosen on an ammonia-fuelled ship scheduled to be delivered in November 2026. NYK will conduct safety and performance verification on demonstration voyages. As a partner organisation, ClassNK will conduct safety verification of N2O reactors and basic research on the development of international guidelines.
The three parties say that they will achieve a leading position in environmental technology by actively taking on the research and development of next-generation ships that do not emit GHGs, thus contributing to the reduction of GHGs emitted by international marine transportation.
