Ammonia Carrier
- STATEMENT
- To the future,
with our
'Ocean Planet.'
BLUE ACTION 011 Ultra Large Ammonia Carrier Open Up Ammonia's Potential.
Jan 29, 2025




One solution now garnering attention to achieve a decarbonized society is ammonia as a next-generation fuel. When most people think of "ammonia," they imagine a pungent smell or fertilizer ingredients. But new possibilities for ammonia are drawing interest for use in the energy sector. In fact, when ammonia is burned, it produces carbon-free energy. That means zero CO2 emissions. Work is underway to eventually develop power generation technology only with ammonia, but it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by using it as fuel for coal-fueled power plants. In addition to its use as a carrier for hydrogen, which is also a carbon-free energy source, it is expected to be used as fuel for ships as well, etc., through the development of marine engine.
When the technology reaches the practical application stage, a stable method of transporting large quantities of ammonia will be a must. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has been involved in the transport of ammonia fertilizer for some time and has been accumulating further transport knowledge since. The company has been building ammonia fuel supply infrastructure. For example, in 2024, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines conducted a successful ship-to-ship demonstration transferring ammonia from one ship to another.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is also developing large ammonia carriers in anticipation of higher demand in the future. In addition to enabling the mass transport of ammonia, these ships will use ammonia as a clean alternative fuel for their own operations. This should significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional vessels. Furthermore, they will be outfitted with MOL's proprietary Wind Challenger system, which harnesses the power of the wind for propulsion. This design will suppress the consumption of ammonia.
Of course, promoting ammonia to achieve a decarbonized society requires the construction of an ammonia supply chain covering all processes, from production to storage and supply, marine transport, secondary storage and supply, and use. The MOL Group is working with partner companies to strengthen its system for ensuring a stable supply of ammonia to customers in Japan and overseas. The MOL Group is also involved in projects outside Japan for the production of ammonia and will continue to contribute to decarbonization in Japan and beyond. We are just beginning to take on the challenges of transporting ammonia by sea and involving in the entire supply chain, from upstream to downstream, an effort that affects the future of our planet.

One solution now garnering attention to achieve a decarbonized society is ammonia as a next-generation fuel. When most people think of "ammonia," they imagine a pungent smell or fertilizer ingredients. But new possibilities for ammonia are drawing interest for use in the energy sector. In fact, when ammonia is burned, it produces carbon-free energy. That means zero CO2 emissions. Work is underway to eventually develop power generation technology only with ammonia, but it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by using it as fuel for coal-fueled power plants. In addition to its use as a carrier for hydrogen, which is also a carbon-free energy source, it is expected to be used as fuel for ships as well, etc., through the development of marine engine.

When the technology reaches the practical application stage, a stable method of transporting large quantities of ammonia will be a must. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has been involved in the transport of ammonia fertilizer for some time and has been accumulating further transport knowledge since. The company has been building ammonia fuel supply infrastructure. For example, in 2024, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines conducted a successful ship-to-ship demonstration transferring ammonia from one ship to another.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is also developing large ammonia carriers in anticipation of higher demand in the future. In addition to enabling the mass transport of ammonia, these ships will use ammonia as a clean alternative fuel for their own operations. This should significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional vessels. Furthermore, they will be outfitted with MOL's proprietary Wind Challenger system, which harnesses the power of the wind for propulsion. This design will suppress the consumption of ammonia.

Of course, promoting ammonia to achieve a decarbonized society requires the construction of an ammonia supply chain covering all processes, from production to storage and supply, marine transport, secondary storage and supply, and use. The MOL Group is working with partner companies to strengthen its system for ensuring a stable supply of ammonia to customers in Japan and overseas. The MOL Group is also involved in projects outside Japan for the production of ammonia and will continue to contribute to decarbonization in Japan and beyond. We are just beginning to take on the challenges of transporting ammonia by sea and involving in the entire supply chain, from upstream to downstream, an effort that affects the future of our planet.