Ammonia

SMW 2024: Fortescue gets DNV certificates for ammonia-powered vessel

DNV presented Fortescue with class and statutory certificates for its dual-fuelled ammonia-powered vessel “Green Pioneer” at a ceremony held during Singapore Maritime Week.

Published

2 years ago

April 22, 2024

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SMW 2024: Fortescue gets DNV certificates for ammonia-powered vessel

Classification society DNV on Friday (19 April) presented Australian green technology, energy and metals company Fortescue with class and statutory certificates for its dual-fuelled ammonia-powered vessel Green Pioneer at a ceremony held during Singapore Maritime Week.

The occasion marked the culmination of a project that began in 2021, when DNV was engaged by Fortescue to work on the feasibility study and ‘Fuel ready (Ammonia)’ notation for the vessel’s conversion.

DNV’s Technology Qualification process provided the framework for the qualification and assurance of the engine modifications, where industry rules were yet to be developed.

Additionally, DNV’s Gas Fuelled Ammonia notation, an industry first, set out the requirements for the ship’s fuel system, fuel bunkering connection and piping through to the fuel consumers.

With no IMO regulations covering the specific use of ammonia, DNV and Fortescue utilized the SOLAS provision for Alternative Design Arrangements (ADA) with the backing of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, particularly around fire and evacuation risks.

Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals CEO, said: “The Fortescue Green Pioneer proves to the world that the shipping industry can, and must, innovate to stop burning fossil fuels. We know 2024 is a pivotal year for global shipping and will have an enormous impact on ammonia’s use as a marine fuel this decade and beyond. The shipping industry must adopt early use of ‘real zero’, long-term solutions such as green ammonia.”

“When Fortescue embarked on this cutting-edge project, it was vital that we worked with organisations like DNV that shared our vision for pioneering solutions to drive decarbonization in the industry.

“DNV has brought a high level of competence, focus, and agility to this project. Their solution-focused and ‘can-do’ attitude without compromising their core roles of safety and quality was immense.”

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, DNV’s Regional Manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime, said: “Fortescue’s commitment to decarbonization aligns perfectly with DNV’s vision, and we are honoured to be part of this pioneering project.”

“Our global teams have worked closely with Fortescue over the last two years, from the engine bed-testing stage through to commissioning and trials, to help realize this milestone. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting Fortescue as we both strive to create a greener future for shipping.”

In 2022, Fortescue successfully converted a four-stroke engine to run on ammonia in combination with diesel at its land-based testing facility in Perth, Western Australia. Conversion work later began on the Green Pioneer at the Seatrium yard in Singapore to convert the vessel’s engines to run on ammonia in combination with conventional fuels.

Fortescue’s Green Pioneer completed the world’s first ammonia bunkering trial safely at an ammonia facility on Jurong Island, in the Port of Singapore in March 2024, following which the vessel received flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and the ‘Gas Fuelled Ammonia’ notation from DNV.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 22 April 2024

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post.

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity.

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said.

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term.

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

Ammonia

EXMAR’s “ANTWERPEN” completes first commercial voyage using ammonia bunker fuel

During its voyage from China to India, the vessel achieved ammonia dual-fuel operation fully in line with our expectations and design, demonstrating that the technology works in commercial service.

Published

1 day ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

EXMAR’s “ANTWERPEN” completes first commercial voyage using ammonia bunker fuel

Belgian shipowner EXMAR on Monday (20 July) announced the successful completion of gas carrier ANTWERPEN’s first commercial voyage using ammonia as a marine fuel.

During its voyage from China to India, the vessel achieved ammonia dual-fuel operation fully in line with our expectations and design, demonstrating that the technology works in commercial service.

“Together with our partners, we continue to fine-tune the systems as we build on this outstanding achievement. We are proud of our crew for their excellent pioneering work,” the company said in a social media post.

Developed in close collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions (formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions), and Lloyd’s Register, ANTWERPEN is capable of carrying up to 46,000 m³ of ammonia or LPG and trading with close to zero emissions when using low-carbon ammonia fuel.

The vessel meets and exceeds current IMO emissions reduction targets, reducing greenhouse gases by up to 90% compared to conventional ships.

Manifold Times previously reported ANTWERPEN participated in a pipe-to-ship (PTS) ammonia bunkering operation in Ulsan Port.

The operation was carried out by Lotte Fine Chemical Co Ltd with 600 metric tonnes (mt) of green ammonia (NH3) supplied to ANTWERPEN.

Photo credit: EXMAR
Published: 21 July, 2026

Alternative Fuels

KR, HD Hyundai tap first ammonia dual-fuel sea trial to develop vessel operating standards

Trial generated data on the vessel’s fuel supply system and engine, which will provide a technical foundation for KR’s future development of domestic guidelines for ammonia-fuelled ships.

Published

5 days ago

July 17, 2026

Admin

KR, HD Hyundai tap first ammonia dual-fuel sea trial to develop vessel operating standards

Korean Register (KR) on Tuesday (14 July) said it is collaborating with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to establish a domestic operating environment for ammonia-fuelled vessels under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Green Shipping Corridor Construction Support Project.

The initiative supports the development of ammonia as one of the most promising next-generation marine fuels.

HHI recently conducted a sea trial of Korea’s first ammonia dual-fuel propulsion vessel. The trial generated operational data on the vessel’s fuel supply system and engine, which will provide a valuable technical foundation for KR’s future development of domestic guidelines for environmentally friendly vessel operations and supporting wider maritime decarbonisation efforts.

A spokesperson for HD Hyundai, said: “Drawing on our group’s R&D capabilities and on-site technical expertise, we have made meaningful progress in advancing the application of ammonia as a marine fuel. We expect this to help enhance a sustainable maritime ecosystem while strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding industry.”

Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D Division, added: “The close collaboration between KR and HD Hyundai has enabled us to build the technical foundation for introducing ammonia-fueled vessels in Korea. We will continue to drive national projects forward together with HD Hyundai and establish technical standards befitting the era of Green Shipping Corridors.”

Photo credit: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
Published: 17 July, 2026