U-Ming Marine Transport of Taiwan and Itochu Corp of Japan have revealed plans to jointly develop a fleet of ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers.

A memorandum of understanding signed on Friday between U-Ming’s Singapore-based shipowning subsidiary and the Japanese trading house calls for the two companies to “explore discussions on jointly owning and operating ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers”.

The MoU also outlines the exploration and implementation of other maritime emission lowering solutions such as the use of alternative fuels like methanol and various energy-saving devices.