Imabari Shipbuilding has formed a consortium of companies to develop and market an emission-free, ammonia-fuelled ship of the future.

The move comes as ammonia emerges as a potential fuel to help the maritime industry achieve its goal of halving carbon emissions in absolute terms by 2050 compared to 2008 levels.

Imabari, Japan’s largest shipbuilder, has teamed up with Mitsui E&S Machinery, Itochu Enex, Itochu Corp, engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions and ClassNK.