SMW 2024: EPS commits six ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to Singapore flag

Published Thu, 18th April 2024
by Admin

EPS signed MoUs with MPA, ABS and LR to commit the ships to be registered under SRS upon delivery; MoUs will include joint capability and capacity-building on ammonia bunkering.

SMW 2024: EPS commits six ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to Singapore flag

The Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Wednesday (17 April) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and classification societies, ABS and Lloyd’s Register, committing six of its ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to be registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) upon delivery.

According to the joint statement, four Newcastlemaxes and two Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) fitted with ammonia dual-fuel engines are slated for delivery from 2026 onwards.

The commitment of these newbuilds comes six months after EPS announced collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and yards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), supported by classification societies ABS and Lloyd’s Register, on the development of ammonia burning engine that will be fitted to the new fleet of EPS-managed vessels.

The collaboration envisaged under the MoUs will include joint capability and capacity-building on ammonia bunkering, seafarer training on management and safety aspects, expertise and knowledge sharing to explore ammonia-related solutions and standards for power generation and bunkering, and consideration of zero and near-zero fuel pilot trials.

EPS will also be working closely with MPA to explore and support crew training on zero and near-zero emission fuels and related technologies at the new Maritime Energy Training Facility to be established progressively by 2026.

“We are delighted to formalise our partnership with MPA through the signing of these MoUs,” said Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer at EPS.

“As optimism grows on the transportation of ammonia following the continued expansion of ammonia production capabilities worldwide, we must recognise fundamentally that crew safety is of paramount importance.”

“This collaboration cements our commitment to work with key industry stakeholders to address challenges and strive to lead the safe transportation of zero- and near-zero emission fuels like ammonia and its adoption as a marine fuel. We look forward to furthering our partnership with MPA and the broader maritime community, to build on necessary training and capacity-building in order to strengthen the safety and environmental aspects, so that our collective efforts accelerate decarbonisation of the global shipping industry safely.”

Teo Eng Dih, MPA Chief Executive, said, “We welcome EPS’ newbuilds to the family of Singapore-registered vessels. The delivery of EPS’ ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds from 2026 gives strong confidence on the use of ammonia as a marine fuel.”

“It will help accelerate efforts to develop the value chain and infrastructure required and the training of the workforce to be ready to safely handle ammonia as a fuel. We look forward to working with EPS, and other like-minded partners, on the concrete steps to advance the decarbonisation of international shipping.”

“ABS commends the MPA and EPS for their pioneering commitment to register six VLAC ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds. This bold initiative represents a crucial step towards the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals, showcasing our collective commitment to innovation and sustainability stewardship. ABS is proud to support this effort with its gas carriers and ammonia expertise, paving the way for significant decarbonization in global maritime industry,” said John McDonald, ABS President and COO.

SMW 2024: EPS commits six ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to Singapore flag

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