Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Wins Order for Ammonia Fuel Handling System to Support Next-Generation Marine Engines

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has secured an order from Hitachi Zosen Marine Engine Co., Ltd. (HZME) to supply its MAmmoSS® ammonia fuel handling system, supporting the development and testing of next-generation ammonia-fuelled marine engines.

The system will be installed at HZME’s facility, where it will be used for shop testing of ammonia engines developed under licensing agreements with Everllence SE and WinGD, two of the world’s leading marine engine designers.

Fuel Handling System to Support Ammonia Engine Testing

According to Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, the MAmmoSS® system will be engineered to ensure compatibility with ammonia-fuelled engines developed by both licensors.

Once delivered, the system will support engine validation and testing by providing safe handling, storage and supply of ammonia fuel during factory-based performance trials.

The order forms part of ongoing efforts within the maritime industry to develop propulsion technologies capable of supporting lower-emission shipping.

Growing Interest in Ammonia as a Marine Fuel

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues to advance measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping.

The IMO’s 2023 Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, adopted during the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) meeting, sets a target of achieving net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by around 2050. More recently, MEPC 83 approved mid-term measures intended to accelerate emissions reductions across the sector.

Against this backdrop, ammonia is attracting growing interest as a potential zero-carbon marine fuel because it does not produce carbon dioxide during combustion. However, its toxicity requires specialised onboard fuel handling systems and robust safety measures.

Demand for Safe Ammonia Handling Solutions Expected to Grow

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding said the increasing development of ammonia-fuelled vessels is expected to drive demand for technologies that enable the safe storage, transfer and handling of ammonia onboard ships. The company stated that it will continue developing products for ammonia-powered vessels while enhancing system functionality to meet evolving industry requirements as alternative-fuel shipping technologies move toward commercial deployment.