The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is in the process of finalising new guidelines for the safe importation of hydrogen and ammonia into Japan. The guidelines will identify key legislative considerations, outline key design and process considerations, and act as a useful starting point for relevant stakeholders to plan for new energy imports.
MUCC has commenced commercial-scale testing of ammonia co-firing in the cement manufacturing process. The company is targeting a calorific replacement ratio of 30% for both the calciner and cement kiln.
Between 2026 and 2029, Mitsui O.S.K Lines will add three ammonia-powered Capesize bulkers and six chemical tankers to its fleet through joint ownership and chartership with CMB.TECH. MOL, Namura Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have also received AiP from ClassNK for a large-size ammonia-powered ammonia carrier.
Adding terminal storage capabilities to its fleet of marine transportation and logistics fleet, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has acquired LBC Tank Terminals. LBC is currently inviting expressions of interest for its Vlissingen ammonia storage and cracking terminal, which is set to become operational in 2028.
MHI has joined the Clean Energy Precinct project in Newcastle, Australia, and will leverage its experience developing the Takasago Hydrogen Park in Japan. Located adjacent to the world’s largest coal port, the Clean Energy Precinct will feature “production, storage, distribution and export” facilities, focused on electrolytic hydrogen and ammonia.
For their design of a CCS-based ammonia floating production, storage and offloading unit, MODEC and TOYO Engineering have received approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping.
With commercial deployment scheduled to start this June, both WinGD and MAN ES’s under-development ammonia fueled engines have reported promising results across performance, ammonia safety and emissions optimisation parameters. MAN ES and MITSUI have also commenced a commercial-scale prototype test of the MITSUI-MAN ES large-bore, low-speed, two-stroke ammonia engine in Tamano, Japan.
Following a time-charter agreement between the two companies, NYK will deliver an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier to Yara Clean Ammonia in November 2026.
In 2025, the pieces are rapidly assembling to enable and accelerate imports of ammonia energy to Japan. This year, government agency METI is due to announce two lots of key funding, including contracts for difference subsidies and development of import infrastructure. Power generation technologies will be commercialised within the next few years, and more maritime players are joining the push to deploy ammonia fuel in Japanese ships.
H2Global’s new €3 billion auction for long-term supplies of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives has received EU approval, including €1.2 billion for regional funding in Canada and Australia. H2Global also progressed partnerships with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the Solar Energy Corporation of India.