The Port of Rotterdam recently tested its capabilities for future ammonia bunkering operations, in anticipation of the arrival of ammonia-fueled vessels in 2026 or 2027. Safety protocols were enhanced, with successful ship-to-ship transfer of 800 cubic meters of liquid ammonia using gray ammonia. The industry is making strides towards using ammonia as a viable alternative fuel source.
International shipping is shifting towards greener fuels like methanol and ammonia, necessitating enhanced training for maritime professionals. Captain Chatur Wahyu emphasized the need for crews to manage fire risks associated with these fuels, while the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore launched a digital platform to streamline training and compliance for seafarers.
The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, completed a successful three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay. Owned by NYK, it achieved a 95% greenhouse gas emission reduction, showcasing ammonia’s potential as maritime fuel. The 272-ton tug, originally LNG-fueled, marked a milestone in alternative fuel operations in the maritime industry.
A Japanese partnership is advancing in developing ammonia transport for use as fuel in industries, including maritime. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Namura Shipbuilding Co. received initial design approval from ClassNK for a large ammonia carrier. The innovative design aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase efficiency in marine transport.
The Singapore-flagged Fortescue Green Pioneer has arrived in the U.K. to showcase ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. Powered by dual-fuel engines, it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. The U.K. Government supports this mission, with the vessel undergoing inspections and demonstrations to promote a more sustainable shipping sector.
Fortescue’s marine division, Fortescue Zero, showcased its ammonia-powered vessel, Green Pioneer, in London ahead of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting. The vessel aims to demonstrate the viability of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. After being certified in Singapore, it will undergo inspections by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Anglo-Eastern has inaugurated a new LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid at Mumbai Maritime Academy on February 20, 2025, enhancing training for safe fueling of LNG- and ammonia-powered vessels. This advanced facility aims to equip industry professionals with essential skills in handling emerging fuels, promoting maritime safety and sustainability amid rising demand.
The maritime industry is actively exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, with ammonia emerging as a promising solution for decarbonizing shipping. It offers zero carbon emissions and can be produced from renewable sources. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to safely integrate ammonia as a marine fuel, requiring understanding, regulation updates, and necessary changes.
MITSUI E&S has started testing the world’s first commercial, two-stroke, dual-fuel ammonia engine at their Tamano Factory in Japan. The MAN B&W 7S60ME-LGIA Mk 10.5 prototype engine will be installed on a bulk carrier for a joint venture between “K” LINE, NS United, and ITOCHU Corp. MAN Energy Solutions highlights the importance of using ammonia.
Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released reports addressing the upskilling needs of future seafarers in the transition to alternative fuels. Focusing on ammonia as a promising fuel, the reports highlight safety hazards and propose comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety.
Japan’s NYK Line and Yara Clean Ammonia have signed the first charter for an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier, advancing the establishment of the ammonia value chain. This initiative, part of Japan’s Green Innovation Project, aims to develop ammonia as a maritime fuel, addressing emissions and enhancing shipping decarbonization efforts.
The shipping industry is closely watching the shift towards dual-fuel engines in newbuildings, with methanol leading over ammonia in engine and regulatory development. Attention is now turning to retrofitting existing vessels, with companies like Maersk Halifax and Hapag-Lloyd opting for methanol. Ammonia’s carbon-free potential is also attracting interest, LNG remains the current market leader.
DNV has introduced competence standards for methanol and a recommended practice for ammonia to address safety risks in the maritime industry. With a growing number of vessels ordered with alternative-fueled capability, it is crucial for shipboard crew to have the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure safe operations.
Ocean energy startups SwitcH2 and CorPower Ocean are teaming up to create an industrial-scale floating green ammonia production facility powered by wave energy. With support from BW Offshore and Dutch Oceans Capital, this project aims to produce 300,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2029. The collaboration showcases the potential of wave energy.
The maritime industry is gearing up for the use of ammonia as a marine fuel by 2025-2026. While it offers environmental benefits, safety concerns arise due to its toxic nature. A survey by the MMMCZCS revealed that most in the maritime community are open to working with ammonia-fueled vessels with proper training and certification.
