Connect with us

Ammonia

University of Amsterdam researchers complete feasibility study on ammonia as bunker fuel

Practical use of ammonia marine fuel will require not only a technological breakthrough, but also strict government regulation.

Admin

Published

on

RESIZED venti views

A group of researchers from the University of Amsterdam initiated a study on the benefits of using ammonia as marine fuel vs fuel oil for freight shipments, said Global Energy Association (GEA) on Thursday (12 June).

They wanted to understand if ammonia could really replace traditional bunker fuels, explained the Moscow-based non-governmental organisation dedicated to energy research and projects.

According to GEA, the Dutch researchers explored two options of the on-board power plant fired by ammonia: the internal combustion engine, and its combination with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOC).

They compared the full cost of ownership for such vessels vs the vessel using fuel oil with account of building costs, fuel costs and maintenance costs for 25 years of operation.

Results showed even in the most optimistic scenario, i.e., given high performance of the engine (up to 55 %) and low ammonia prices, the cost of ownership for such vessels will be 19–25 % more expensive vs the traditional one.

The main reason is high bunker fuel cost. The options with using fuel cells turned out to be even more expensive. They can be cost-effective only in case of extremely high fuel prices or poor performance of the internal combustion engine.

At the same time, the share of CAPEX for the vessel or fuel tanks turned out rather small: practically all the rise in cost is connected with the ammonia price.

The researchers concluded ammonia may be a robust alternative to fuel oil only under two conditions: significant decrease in ammonia prices and introduction of high carbon tax. Without subsidies, the ammonia prices need to be below 28 cents per kilo, or the fuel oil prices need to double (up to USD 1.4 per kilo), but this is possible only in case the carbon tax is USD 200 per one ton of CO₂.

Hence, according to the Dutch researchers, ammonia applications remain an interesting decarbonisation option, but practical use of this fuel will require not only a technological breakthrough, but also strict government regulation.

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 16 June 2025

Continue Reading

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.

Admin

Published

on

By

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.

Related: South Korea: Ulsan Port achieves ammonia PTS bunkering milestone

 

Photo credit: EXMAR
Published: 21 July, 2026

Continue Reading

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.

Admin

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 1.6% on year in June 2026

4.67 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.59 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Admin

Published

on

By

7

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 1.6% on year in June 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.67 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,669,100 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.59 million mt (4,594,700 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 2.03 million mt (+19.4% from 1.70 million mt), 2.20 million mt (-4.8% from 2.31 million mt), zero (-100% from 1,900 mt), 1,900 mt (-57.8% from 4,500 mt) and zero (from zero).

Bunker Jun

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June, (against on year) recorded respectively 5,300 mt (-86.3% from 38,800 mt), 30,700 mt (-73.1% from 114,300 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 1,500 mt (+50% from 1,000 mt). 

LNG and methanol sales were 55,000 mt (-0.72% from 55,400 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 July, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending