New York’s Feeney Shipyard converts 67-year-old tug to an ammonia-powered vessel
A 67-year old tug is being converted into ammonia power in New York (Source: Amogy)
A 67-year-old US-owned tug is currently undergoing conversion into an ammonia-powered vessel at the Feeney Shipyard in Kingston, New York State.
Now renamed NH3 Kraken, the 1957-built tug will be the first vessel fitted with the innovative carbon-free power system developed by Brooklyn-based company Amogy to reduce emissions in the marine industry.
The conversion of the tug involves the comprehensive overhaul of the vessel’s original diesel generators and electric motors, integrating Amogy’s one MW ammonia-to-power system. Once installed, Amogy’s onboard solution will feed liquid ammonia through its cracking modules integrated into the hybrid fuel oil system that will provide zero carbon power to the tug’s electric motors.
Ammonia, which does not emit CO2 when used as a fuel, has been fast gaining acceptance within the shipping industry.
Amogy plans to demonstrate the tug’s new ammonia power plant to the industry on the coastal inland waterway system of upper New York State.
Holland’s C-Job Naval Architects are overseeing the conversion of the tug. The scope of work includes integrating Amogy’s ammonia-to-power system into the existing hull and layout of the framework for the shipyard’s architects, including retrofitting construction, engine removal, and outfitting associated equipment and machinery.
Following the successful conversion of NH3 Kraken will provide towage services in the US as the first Jones Act ammonia-powered tug. The tug was originally built as the Virginian and ended her days as the Deborah Quinn, owned by the shipyard that is converting her and used for ice-breaking work, before being sold to Amogy.
