Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has completed a conceptual study, in a joint effort with Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. (MOL), on a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) for ammonia.

The study is aimed at promoting utilization of ammonia as an energy source that contributes to decarbonization.

Ammonia FSRU is a floating facility for receiving and storing ammonia, which is transported in a liquid state from its production area. The stored ammonia is heated and regasified onboard for transfer to an onshore pipeline.

Ammonia FSRU can be constructed at a lower cost and in a shorter time than onshore ammonia storage and regasification plants. At a time when global interest in usage of ammonia is increasing, the application of Ammonia FSRU in place of onshore storage and regasification plants is expected to contribute to an earlier and stable supply of ammonia fuel.

In the newly completed conceptual study, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding conducted multiple case studies with different specifications according to the ammonia’s supply conditions, regasification method, tank capacity, etc. The study also covered the feasibility of employing ammonia fuel to generate the power required for the operation of the FSRU itself.

Ammonia is now mainly used as a raw material of fertilizers. Demand is expected to increase in the future as a next-generation clean energy that does not emit CO2 when burned.