Sinobunker completes China’s first ammonia bunkering op

Editor’s note (29/12/2024): Article updated to correctly reflect the names of several Chinese entities.

China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers Co., Ltd. (SinoBunker) on Tuesday (24 December) said it has completed China’s first ammonia bunkering operation.

The development to refuel the 5500HP ammonia-powered tugboat Yuan Tuo Yi was carried out with support from Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration, Dalian Municipal Bureau of Transportation, Dalian Industry and Information Technology Bureau, China Classification Society and other units.

“Considering the risks such as the toxicity of liquid ammonia, the company combined the difficulties of regulating the liquid and gas phase pressure of liquid ammonia to conduct extensive pre-operation, safety inspection and testing,” it said in a statement.

“In order to ensure the smooth implementation of the first ship ammonia fuel filling operation, the filling was carried out via truck-to-ship.”

It noted the team at SinoBunker Liaoning and COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry (Dalian) working together on trials involving bunkering procedures, emergency drills and marine refuelling operations of ammonia fuel.

Personnel also completed training involving on-site emergency response, liquid ammonia leakage simulations, fire & explosion safety, and first aid practises related to ammonia bunkering.

The operation verified the airtightness and effectiveness of SinoBunker Liaoning’s ammonia bunkering equipment and provided relevant knowledge and experience for the process.

“Faced with the pressure of green transformation and development in the shipping industry, SinoBunker has always been committed to providing customers with clean energy supply solutions,” it said.

“It is continuously promoting relevant research on low-carbon alternative fuel refuelling technology for ships and strive to establish a green alternative energy security system.”

Photo credit: China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers Co., Ltd.
Published: 27 December 2024