Japan Engine Corporation has made significant advancements in the development of the first ammonia-fueled commercial shipping engine. The company, along with other major engine manufacturers like MAN and WindGD, is in the final stages of certification before shipping their first ammonia engines. J-ENG has successfully started co-firing operations with ammonia in a large, low-speed, two-stroke engine, marking a milestone in the industry.
This project was initiated under the Green Innovation Fund Project by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Since May 2023, J-ENG has been conducting various test operations to ensure stable operation at high ammonia co-firing rates and safe handling of ammonia. The company plans to ship the engine in October for installation in an Ammonia-Fueled Medium Gas Carrier (AFMGC) for demonstration operations.
In a bid to lead the market for next-generation fuel engines, J-Engine is constructing a new plant with the support of a subsidy project by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The plant, scheduled for completion in 2028, will focus on expanding the production of ammonia fuel engines and promoting the spread of zero-emission ships. Testing and demonstrations of the first ammonia-fueled vessels have already begun, with 33 vessels on order for delivery by the end of the decade, according to DNV.
