Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), has won an award in the Research and Development category in the 2024 Ship Technology Excellence Awards for its exceptional R&D initiatives.
The Ship Technology Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the shipping industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding won the award for pioneering the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, which showcases a significant advancement in sustainable shipping practices, and for conceptualizing an ammonia bunkering vessel, reflecting a major innovation in maritime fuel supply infrastructure.
Advancing ammonia as a marine fuel
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has been at the forefront of renewable energy utilization, with a particular emphasis on the development of green fuels for maritime use. The company’s Mitsubishi Ammonia Supply and Safety System (MAmmoSS) and the Ammonia Gas Abatement System (AGAS) are central to this initiative. These systems are engineered to manage and treat ammonia, enabling its use as a marine fuel.
The initiation of AGAS demonstration testing is a significant step in assessing the system’s processing performance and its integration with shipboard operations. This testing is vital for the safe implementation of ammonia as a marine fuel, which is poised to play a significant role in the maritime industry’s carbon reduction efforts. The demonstration testing includes rigorous oversight of the system’s performance after simulating ammonia operations onboard vessels, as well as investigations into ammonia-related technology and handling procedures.
By integrating various subsystems, MAmmoSS offers an optimal modular configuration for onboard plants, enhancing the potential of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel source. The company’s R&D efforts are not only focused on the technical aspects, but also on the safety measures required for handling ammonia, which is crucial for its adoption as a marine fuel.
Conceptual study for ammonia bunkering vessel
In partnership with Inpex, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has completed a conceptual study for an ammonia bunkering vessel, which is essential for the supply of ammonia fuel to ships. The vessel’s design leverages Mitsubishi’s expertise in the design and production of multi-purpose liquefied gas carriers, including ammonia transport.
The conceptual study has laid the groundwork for further research and the potential commercialization of the vessel. Mitsubishi’s design approach for the bunkering vessel emphasizes flexibility, tank capacity, ship maneuverability, and bunkering equipment, ensuring compatibility with various ammonia-powered vessels. The vessel is designed with sufficient tank capacity to meet the demands of different ships, while also considering the maneuverability required for effective bunkering operations.
Furthermore, Mitsubishi’s commitment to this project is evident in its plans to use the knowledge and technical tasks from the study to conduct additional investigations. The company will also work with maritime-linked firms to commercialize the vessel, demonstrating a clear strategy for bringing the concept to market. The development of this bunkering vessel is a critical step in establishing a supply chain for ammonia as a marine fuel, which is anticipated to be a stable source of clean energy in the future.
Company Profile
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., established in 2018, represents the maritime division of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, continuing a legacy that dates back to 1884. The company specializes in ship engineering, manufacturing, and repair, offering a diverse portfolio that includes ferries, cargo ships, passenger vessels, and special-purpose ships. With a commitment to technological excellence, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding leverages its extensive expertise and resources within the MHI Group to meet the evolving demands of the global maritime industry. The company is dedicated to a customer-first philosophy, emphasizing safety, reliable quality, and timely responses in all its operations.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding aims to address the multifaceted challenges facing the maritime sector, including environmental sustainability and technological advancements. By embracing innovative approaches and fostering global collaborations, the company is committed to developing cutting-edge technologies such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia utilization. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding not only focuses on enhancing its shipbuilding capabilities, but also prioritizes responsible practices that contribute to a sustainable future for the maritime industry.
Contact Details
5-33-11 Shiba
Minato-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Website: https://www.mhi.com/
Links:
