Japanese trio launches demo project on ammonia supply for vessels in Singapore

April 27th, 2026

Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line), and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) have jointly applied to run a demonstration project on the supply of ammonia fuel for vessels in Singapore, building on their memorandum of understanding (MoU) from last month to conduct a front-end engineering design (FEED) study and explore the ownership of a newbuild ammonia bunkering vessel.

Sumitomo Corporation

Coordinated by Sumitomo, the project will see the companies conduct a trial supply of ammonia fuel using the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer method, employing a bunkering vessel that complies with the requirements set by the Singapore Government, marking the first demonstration of ammonia bunkering by the collaborators.

The feasibility studies will assess supply facilities while managing operational risks, establishing procedures, and evaluating environmental and safety factors to confirm the viability of safe, sustainable ammonia fuel supply, Sumitomo reported.

The demonstration project has been selected for the FY2024 Supplementary Budget Grant for the “Global South Future-Oriented Co-creation Project (Large-scale Demonstration – ASEAN Member States: 2nd Call for Proposals)”, funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry through the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), effective March 23, 2026.

“As a large-scale initiative, the Demonstration Project will be critical in overcoming the technical and operational challenges that must be addressed before commercial services can be fully realized. Given the substantial costs associated with the demonstration phase, the financial support from this grant will be pivotal in ensuring the project’s viability and successful execution,” Sumitomo said.

To remind, Sumitomo Corporation, “K” Line, and NYK Line reported on March 17 that they had entered into an MoU to jointly conduct a FEED study and explore the ownership of a newbuild ammonia bunkering vessel (N-ABV) for application in Singapore.

The tripartite partnership is now working to advance detailed studies covering the vessel’s basic design, technical specifications, safety and operational requirements, as well as the structuring and ownership model tailored to the Singapore ammonia bunker market.