NYK Line Completed First Ammonia Bunkering Operation
The successful ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia fuel represents a key milestone for decarbonizing international shipping.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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NYK Line has successfully executed the world's first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation at the Ariake Shipyard. This transfer from the Shoei Maru to a new vessel marks a critical advancement in testing ammonia as a viable, carbon-free marine fuel.
Why it matters
Ammonia is considered a leading next-generation fuel capable of eliminating carbon dioxide emissions during combustion. This successful operation provides the essential procedural framework needed to support the upcoming sea trials of ammonia-fueled vessels.
The bunkering operation serves as a foundational step for the delivery of an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier. No other ship-to-ship ammonia transfers of this scale have been recorded.
The players
NYK Line
Nippon Yusen Kaisha is a major Japanese shipping company that operates a large global fleet.
Shoei Maru
The Shoei Maru is the vessel that served as the fuel source during this historic ammonia transfer.
The details
The operation involved transferring ammonia fuel from the Shoei Maru to an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier under strictly established safety protocols. These procedures were developed to ensure safe handling during the refueling process, facilitating the transition toward zero-emission maritime transportation.
Timeline
The ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering occurred on September 17, 2026.
The ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier is set for delivery in November 2026.
Market Landscape
This bunkering success positions NYK Line at the forefront of a broader maritime industry shift away from heavy fuel oils. By validating ship-to-ship transfer protocols, the company is outpacing competitors in the race to establish a global infrastructure for zero-carbon shipping.
As the industry moves toward ammonia as a standard fuel, consumers may see a reduction in the carbon footprint associated with global cargo transport over the coming decade. This transition aims to lower the environmental impact of shipping goods internationally.
The takeaway
This successful transfer proves that ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering is feasible under current safety standards. Future maritime logistics will increasingly rely on these established procedures to meet global decarbonization targets.
What happens next
The ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier is currently scheduled for delivery in November 2026, which will mark the start of the next phase of intensive sea trials.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Oil and Gas as the maritime sector explores new fuel alternatives.
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