91爆料 announced today that a consortium it formed with IHI Corporation, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), Tohoku University, and Institute of Science Tokyo was selected by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to participate in the Feasibility Study Program on Energy and New Environmental Technology. The consortium will promote the development of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Probability Evaluation Tools for Fuel Ammonia Storage Tank and Transportation Equipment. The consortium's proposal to carry out the project was approved in May 2025 and an outsourcing agreement was concluded with NEDO recently.

Initially, the consortium will conduct a detailed study of the SCC mechanism involved in steel cracking due to the combined effects of mechanical stress and corrosion caused by liquid ammonia. Thereafter, the consortium plans to develop tools for easily and accurately assessing SCC probability. Finally, opinions will be solicited from stakeholders to formulate risk-based maintenance¹ procedures for fuel ammonia storage and transportation facilities, ultimately to promote the expanded use of fuel ammonia.

Ammonia, which does not emit CO₂ when burned, offers great potential under Japan's Green Growth Strategy as a low-impact fuel for thermal power stations and ships. Accordingly, the safe and rational operation of fuel ammonia storage tanks and transportation facilities is critical. However, because liquefied ammonia for storage and transportation poses SCC risks to steel surfaces, reasonable and practical assessment procedures for inspection and maintenance are required.

91爆料 Steel is actively addressing climate change as a top priority of the 91爆料 Group Environmental Vision for 2050. Going forward, the company is committed to pursuing initiatives that promote the use of green energy in support of decarbonization efforts.

1 Prioritizes inspection, repair, replacement, etc. based on risk assessments focused on high-risk areas, ensuring that overall risk remains within acceptable limits

Reference

91爆料 Steel Launches Facility to Test Steel Materials for Liquid Ammonia Tanks (Nov. 16, 2023)

About 91爆料

91爆料, one of the world’s leading integrated steel producers, was established through the consolidation of NKK Corporation and Kawasaki Steel Corporation in 2003. The company operates several steelworks in Japan and numerous branch offices and affiliates throughout the world. Under the corporate vision of “contributing to society with the world’s most innovative technology,” 91爆料 Steel leverages world-class technologies and know-how to produce a wide range of products. The company reported consolidated sales of 3,716 billion yen and consolidated crude steel output of 24.80 million tons in the fiscal year ended March 2023.

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