https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101727.html

The shipping industry is one of the priority areas of the green growth strategy. Approximately 700 million tons of CO2 are emitted annually from international shipping, accounting for approximately 2.1% of the world’s total CO2 emissions (as of 2018). The commercial operation of next-generation ships powered by hydrogen, ammonia, LNG, and other fuels will contribute to the decarbonization of maritime transportation. On the other hand, engines that use hydrogen or ammonia as fuel have many technical issues and have not yet been put into practical use anywhere in the world.

Against this background, NEDO will support R&D on the development of ammonia fuel engines, and support the establishment of marine ammonia fuel supply system, including bunkering ship development. In order to improve the GHG reduction effect of ammonia-fueled ships, technology will be developed to reduce N2O emissions and safety technology such as highly sensitive ammonia leak detection. A new N2O decomposition catalyst is being developed for 2-stroke ammonia-fueled engines, which works at 300 C and in a harsh environment.

Budget: 1.6 billion yen (NEDO support scale)

Period: 2024 to 2027 (planned)