NYK Initiates Onboard Methane Catalyst Testing for LNG Vessels

Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has begun testing a methane oxidation catalyst system on the LNG bunkering vessel KEYS Azalea to mitigate methane emissions from LNG-fueled engines. The catalyst system aims to oxidize unburned methane in exhaust gas, thereby achieving an oxidation rate exceeding 90% during initial shipboard measurements.

This project, involving Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, and Daihatsu Infinearth, supports the push for next-generation marine fuel technologies to enhance the environmental performance of LNG vessels. The full-scale unit is being evaluated under real operating conditions for one year, with a focus on commercialization. Continued advancements in methane abatement technology are essential as the industry seeks to balance LNG's lower-carbon benefits against methane slip issues.