Japanese conglomerate Itochu Corporation announced its collaboration with Taiwan’s U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation to investigate the shared ownership and operation of ships powered by ammonia, as Japan leans towards ammonia as a means to reduce emissions. The shipping industry, responsible for nearly 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, plays a crucial role in world trade, prompting a push for cleaner fuel solutions to combat climate change.
Aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the memorandum of understanding between Itochu and U-Ming aims to explore the feasibility of ammonia-fueled ships and assess the potential of methanol and energy-saving technologies in maritime operations.
The initiative resonates across the Asia-Pacific region, with countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and South Korea experimenting with ammonia co-firing in power stations, often with Japanese investment. Itochu’s broader efforts include studying the establishment of an ammonia bunkering hub in Algeciras, Spain, to strengthen the global ammonia supply chain.
In the energy sector, JERA, Japan’s leading power generator, plans a groundbreaking trial to co-fire 20% ammonia with coal at the Hekinan thermal power station, marking a significant milestone in large-scale ammonia usage in commercial plants.