Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co, Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has acquired Approval in Principle (AiP)(1) from the Japanese classification society ClassNK for an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) for the “X-DF-A,” a large, low-speed 2-stroke ammonia-fueled engine under development by WinGD, a Swiss designer and licensor of large marine engines. The AiP presentation ceremony took place today at “Sea Japan 2024” International Maritime Exhibition and Conference at Tokyo Big Sight.
AiP Presentation Ceremony (From right: Mr. Dominik Schneiter, CEO, WinGD Mr. Shin Ueda, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Mr. Masaki Matsunaga, Executive Vice President / Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK)
In June 2023 Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to undertake joint technical studies on an AFSS, aiming to contribute to the achievement of a new target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the global maritime industry by or around 2050(2). The joint studies resulted in finalization in February 2024 of the basic design for an AFSS for the “X-DF-A” engine under development by WinGD(3). The AiP was acquired together with approval of a new ammonia gas abatement system (AGAS), and now technical studies will go forward with WinGD toward commercialization.
Because ammonia emits no CO2 when combusted, it is attracting attention today as a fuel with the potential to contribute significantly to reducing GHG emissions in the maritime industry, and it is expected to be utilized in the future as a source of stable, clean energy. Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to develop marine ammonia handling systems, including fuel supply systems for ammonia combustion systems for the X-DF-A and other engines, as well as various ammonia gas abatement system systems. In addition, by proposing the design and engineering of ammonia-fueled ships and onboard plants – comprising multiple ammonia-fueled combustion systems such as main engines, power generation engines, and boilers – Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will promote decarbonization of the maritime industry toward realizing a carbon-neutral society, and also contribute to reduction of environmental impacts on a global scale.
(1) Approval in Principle (AiP) indicates that a certification body has reviewed the basic design and confirmed that it meets the technical requirements and standards for safety. Inspection of this system was conducted based on ClassNK’s “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels.” (2) For more information on the MOU signed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD, see the following press release. https://www.mhi.com/news/230605.html (3) For more information on the finalization of the basic design of the AFSS for WinGD’s marine engine, see the following press release: https://www.mhi.com/news/24022203.html
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received an order from Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) for an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) and ammonia gas abatement system (AGAS).
Ammonia Fuel Supply System (High-pressure and Low-pressure AFSS module)
The AFSS will supply ammonia fuel to ammonia-powered marine engines developed by J-ENG, and the AGAS will safely treat any surplus ammonia. The newly ordered AFSS and AGAS are remotely controlled automatically by an integrated control system. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will deliver the modules to J-ENG in 2025.
Conversion from fossil fuels to environmentally sustainable fuels is indispensable for achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the global maritime industry by or around 2050, the goal set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Because ammonia emits no CO2 when combusted, adoption of ammonia fuel is expected to contribute to the development of decarbonized infrastructure in the maritime industry.
Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, aligning with MHI Group’s strategy of advancement of the energy transition, will bring together its technologies and expertise in ammonia handling accumulated through its history of building transport carriers, and as a shipboard ammonia handling systems manufacturer the company will supply products of maximum safety and reliability. Additionally, as a maritime system integrator, through provision of shipbuilding engineering services for ammonia-fueled vessels, plus construction support and other services meeting customer needs, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue contributing to the further development of marine logistics and to reducing the maritime industry’s environmental impact on a global scale.
Ammonia-fueled marine engine (photo provided by J-ENG)
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company based in Yokohama, today held a christening and launch ceremony for the FUGAKU MARU, a roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship under construction for FUJITRANS Corporation. The ceremony took place at the Enoura Plant of MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The handover is scheduled for April 2024 following completion of outfitting work and sea trials. The new vessel will replace the current FUGAKU MARU, originally constructed at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, which has been in continuous service since 1997.
Christening and Launch Ceremony of FUGAKU MARU
The new FUGAKU MARU is 165 meters in overall length, 27.6 meters in breadth and has gross tonnage of approximately 13,000. It can simultaneously transport up to 50 trailer chassis and 1,511 passenger cars. Fuel efficiency has been significantly improved in the new vessel with the adoption of a vertical stem in the bow to reduce propulsion resistance, complemented by high-efficiency propellers and use of low-friction paint. The onboard power generator can be shut down through connection of an onshore power receiving system installed in the engine room and power distribution equipment slated for installation in ports. In the future, this advance will enable zero emissions while the ship is in port.
The new FUGAKU MARU features a wider beam than its predecessor, and structural innovations have enabled the elimination of pillars on the trailer loading deck. Together with these improvements, the ship will provide greater turning space for trailers, resulting in enhanced loading efficiency.
Today, a modal shift is underway toward marine transport in a quest to reduce CO2 emissions from land transportation modes, offset shortages of long-distance truck drivers, and align with workstyle reforms. In response, going forward Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will work with its business partners to solve diverse issues through construction of ferries and RO/RO ships that will contribute to stable navigation while also providing outstanding energy and environmental performance.
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company based in Yokohama, delivered Fuel Gas Supply System (FGSS)*, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel gas supply system for high-pressure dual-fuel marine engine to Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co., Ltd at the end of August 2023.
The FGSS ordered by Shin Kurushima Dockyard feature an optimized cargo space layout utilizing a modular design for exceptional space-saving and maintenance access, a shortened construction schedule at shipyards, and a proprietary control system that can be customized according to customer needs, contributing to both excellent operability and safety. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding previously received and filled orders for FGSS units for two LNG-fueled car carriers built by Shin Kurushima Dockyard between 2020 and 2022. Including those deliveries, a total number of FGSS ordered from Japanese client reaches twenty-six units and the delivery of seven units have been completed.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as part of MHI Group’s strategic initiatives for energy transition, will provide FGSS units to a broad range of customers involved in the construction of LNG-fueled vessels, enhancing the added value and competitiveness of ships. Further, by helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the widespread adoption of LNG-fueled vessels, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as a maritime system integrator, aims to further the decarbonization of the marine industry, support the realization of a carbon neutral world, and reduce environmental impacts on a global scale.
*See the following pamphlet for details on Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s FGSS:https://www.mhi.com/group/mhimsb/FGSSE.pdf
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company based in Yokohama, has received orders from Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for 12 units of its Fuel Gas Supply System (FGSS)(1), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel gas supply system for high-pressure dual-fuel marine engines. The equipment for 9 LNG-fueled car carriers and 3 LNG-fueled bulk carriers to be built by Imabari Shipbuilding Group will be continuously delivered from spring 2024.
LNG fuel tank
The FGSS ordered by Imabari Shipbuilding feature an optimized cargo space layout utilizing a modular design for exceptional space-saving and maintenance access, shortened construction schedule at shipyards, and a proprietary control system that can be customized according to customer needs, contributing to both excellent operability and safety. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding previously received the first order for FGSS for LNG-fueled car carriers from Imabari Group in 2021(2), and this is the first order for FGSS for LNG-fueled bulk carriers. With those new orders, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will supply a total 18 units (15 car carriers and 3 bulk carriers) to Imabari Shipbuilding, including 2 units already delivered.
In addition, for the LNG-fueled car carriers to be equipped with FGSS module which were ordered this time, Imabari Shipbuilding will install LNG fuel tanks currently being manufactured at its Nishi-Tadotsu Division where Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is also providing technical support for the manufacturing of those LNG fuel tanks.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as part of MHI Group’s strategic initiatives for energy transition, will provide FGSS units to a broad range of customers involved in the construction of LNG-fueled vessels, enhancing the added value and competitiveness of ships. Further, by helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the widespread adoption of LNG-fueled vessels, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as a maritime system integrator, aims to further the decarbonization of the marine industry, support the realization of a carbon neutral world, and reduce environmental impacts on a global scale.
(1) See the following pamphlet for details on Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s FGSS: www.mhi.com/group/mhimsb/FGSSE.pdf (2) See the following press release for details on the 2021 order from Imabari Shipbuilding for FGSS units for six LNG-fueled car carriers: www.mhi.com/news/211224.html
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
