Japan | October 15, 2025 – In a significant stride for the future of the ammonia fuel value chain, Shin Nippon Kaiyosha (an NYK Group company) has successfully obtained third-party certification for the environmental value created through the operation of its ammonia-fueled tugboat, Sakigake.
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The Commercialization of Zero-Carbon Operations
The certification, received on September 25, 2025, validates the quantified reduction of greenhouse gas GHG emissions achieved by the Sakigake—the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel developed for commercial use, operating in Yokohama port since its completion in August 2024.
This development is a game-changer for the bunker market, shifting the focus from purely technical feasibility to commercial viability. By obtaining certified credits, the premium cost associated with producing and using ECOANN (the low-environmental-impact ammonia fuel manufactured by Resonac and provided by JERA) can now be monetized.
Unlocking the Scope 3 Market via Book & Claim
The core importance of this certification lies in its mechanism for allocation: the Book & Claim method.
The Book & Claim system is designed to decouple the physical use of the fuel from its certified environmental attributes. This allows a shipping line operator (like Shin Nippon Kaiyosha) to “Book” the GHG reduction value, which can then be sold to a distant cargo owner or transportation service user who can “Claim” the emission reduction for their own corporate reporting.
This directly addresses the most challenging area of corporate GHG accounting: Scope 3 emissions.
Commercial Impact: GHG emissions from cargo transportation are overwhelmingly classified as Scope 3 for shippers. The Sakigake initiative provides the first tangible, third-party-verified instrument for shippers to actively reduce the emissions associated with their marine transport services, driving demand and justifying a green premium for ammonia-fueled shipping.
By visualizing and validating GHG reductions, this system paves the way for wider acceptance and investment in ammonia as a scalable marine fuel.
The Pioneer Vessel and Fuel
The Sakigake has a pioneering history. The tugboat was selected in October 2021 as part of Japan’s NEDO Green Innovation Fund project. The vessel was converted from an LNG-fueled tugboat and achieved world-first ammonia co-firing rates of over 90% during its demonstration voyage, confirming a GHG reduction of up to approximately 95% compared to conventional fuels.
The fuel itself, ECOANN, is central to the overall environmental claim. Produced by Resonac using post-consumer plastics, it not only reduces GHG emissions but also contributes to waste reduction and the circular economy—adding depth to the total environmental value being certified and traded.
NYK’s Long-Term Commitment to the Ammonia Value Chain
This certification is a crucial piece of NYK’s strategy to build a comprehensive fuel ammonia value chain. Proving the commercial mechanism for the tugboat immediately derisks the company’s larger ammonia investments.
NYK’s commitment extends to:
- Ammonia-Fueled Medium Gas Carrier (AFMGC): NYK is developing a 40,000 m³ AFMGC in collaboration with other Japanese partners, scheduled for completion in November 2026. This vessel, which will transport ammonia while also running on it, represents the next major commercial step in integrating the fuel into the global supply chain.
- International Rulemaking: The operational data and commercial validation from the Sakigake contribute essential real-world knowledge to the ongoing discussions at the IMO for developing safety guidelines and international rules for ammonia bunkering and vessel operations.
Resonac Corporation
Resonac (formerly Showa Denko Group) is a leading Japanese chemical company focusing on next-generation materials and mobility solutions. Resonac produces the low-environmental-impact ammonia ECOANN, utilizing used plastics as a raw material. This process is key to providing a sustainable fuel source that supports a circular economy model for shipping.
JERA Co., Ltd.
JERA is a global energy company jointly owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power. JERA is heavily involved in the transition to cleaner energy and plays a critical role in the ammonia supply chain, providing the ECOANN fuel to the Sakigake.
About NYK Line
Established in 1885 in Japan, NYK Line, formally known as Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, has emerged as a global leader in the maritime industry over its 135-year history. Operating a diverse fleet, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, NYK serves over 800 locations worldwide, offering a comprehensive suite of shipping services.
NYK Line has earned recognition for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety, navigating the complexities of global logistics with diligence and foresight. This ongoing dedication underscores NYK’s pivotal role in shaping the future of ocean transport and reaffirms its status as a cornerstone of the maritime landscape.
Source NYK Group