China’s first ammonia/diesel dual-fuel tug enters construction phase

Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry has kicked off construction of China’s first ammonia/diesel dual-fuel-powered 5500HP azimuth-stern drive (ASD) tug as part of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry’s project “R&D and Demonstration Application of Ammonia-powered Dual-fuel Engine and Supply System”.

According to China Classification Society (CCS), which is also part of the research project, the construction of the tug began on January 16, 2024.

The 39-meter-long ammonia/diesel-powered tug is equipped with two C-type liquid ammonia storage tanks, an ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engine developed by Dalian CRRC Diesel Engine Co., and an ammonia fuel supply system by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Technology (Weihai) Co.

Ammonia-fueled vessel and ammonia supply system designs were awarded approvals in principle (AiPs) from classification society ABS as well as CCS.

In the subsequent construction inspection of the ship, CCS will provide inspection services and technical support, work closely with the shipyard and participating parties, and lead the promotion of new clean energy represented by ammonia fuel in shipping.

• CCS awards flurry of AIPs at Marintec for homegrown ammonia/methanol engines, and ship designs
• ABS green-lights COSCO’s ammonia-fueled vessel design