NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (“NBAsia”), a Singapore-based company of the NYK Group, has concluded a time-charter contract with JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”) for two very large gas carriers (VLGCs)* from NBAsia to JERA (the “Contract”).

The Contract follows continued discussions and evaluations conducted under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 and heads of agreements reached in December 2025**.

The two VLGCs covered by the Contract are expected to transport low‑carbon ammonia*** produced in the U.S. state of Louisiana to JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station (Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture). At the power station, commercial operation of large-scale ammonia substitution combustion with 20% heat value ratio is scheduled to commence around fiscal year 2029. This project is expected to mark the first shipment of low‑carbon fuel ammonia for power generation to Japan.

Beyond its existing applications in fertilizers and chemicals, ammonia is emerging as a next-generation clean energy source, especially valued for its carbon-free combustion. It is expected to be used not only as fuel for power generation but also in various applications, including marine fuel.

The NYK Group has accumulated extensive expertise in the fields of operation, safety management, and cargo handling for the maritime transport of ammonia. We will ensure the safe and reliable transportation of fuel ammonia to the Hekinan Thermal Power Station, while continuing to advance initiatives to build a value chain for next-generation fuels, including ammonia, through marine transportation.

Shipyard: Sakaide Works, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
Length overall: 229.90 m
Breadth: 37.20 m
Depth: 21.90 m
Summer draft: 11.65 m
Tank capacity: approx. 87,000 ㎥
Fuel type: LPG / VLSFO (dual fuel)


* VLGC
Very Large Gas Carrier. Utilized for transporting gases such as ammonia and LPG.

** Memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 and heads of agreements reached in December 2025
・press release in 21st November, 2022
NYK Signs MoU with JERA for Cooperation in Transporting Fuel Ammonia
・press release in 22^nd December, 2025
NYK Group Signs Heads of Agreements with JERA on Low-Carbon Ammonia Marine Transport

*** Low-carbon Ammonia
Under Japan’s Hydrogen Society Promotion Act, ammonia that meets a specified CO₂ emissions threshold during production and contributes to reducing Japan’s CO₂ emissions is defined as low-carbon ammonia. Ammonia used as fuel for power generation or ships is referred to as “fuel ammonia,” and among these, those meeting the low-carbon criteria are classified as low-carbon ammonia.