The Japan Engine Corporation (J-Eng) has built what it claims is the world’s first ammonia-fueled engine, according to a press release. The engine is slated for delivery in October 2025 and will be installed in an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier set to enter service next year.

Who’s involved? Japanese national research agency NEDO oversaw the unit’s development under its Green Innovation Fund Project. Japanese shipping giants Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line), Nihon Shipyard Co., Japan Marine United Corp, and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) supervised the testing.

The race so far: ClassNK and NYK Line launched the world’s first ammonia-fueled tugboat — the Sakigake — for service in Tokyo Bay in August 2024, Reuters reported last year. NYK is also building the world’s first ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier, set for completion in November 2026 and boasting a 40k cbm capacity, according to a press release published earlier this year.

The MENA region is taking steps to accommodate ammonia-powered vessels:

  • In Egypt, the Suez Canal Economic Zone has lined up at least two projects for ammonia fuel production and bunkering;
  • Morocco’s in too: Morocco has lined up several green ammonia production projects, with some lining up exports of ammonia as fuel for ships, such as the Dahamco-led facility in Dakhla ;
  • Over in Oman, the government is aiming for massive green ammonia production targets, and international players like Yamna are exploring ammonia bunkering projects in some of the country’s ports like Salalah and Duqm.
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