Ammonia

DNV: Ammonia technology moves closer to powering deep-sea shipping

DNV discussed the development of Everllence’s ME‑LGIA ammonia dual‑fuel engine and unpacked the safety measures applied, emission reduction potential, and early candidate vessel segments.

Published

4 months ago

February 10, 2026

Admin

DNV: Ammonia technology moves closer to powering deep-sea shipping

Classification society DNV on Thursday (5 February) discussed the development of Everllence’s ME‑LGIA ammonia dual‑fuel engine and unpacked the safety measures applied, emission reduction potential, and early candidate vessel segments:

As the maritime industry accelerates towards decarbonization, the transition to low greenhouse gas fuels is essential. Liquefied natural gas and methanol have led the way, but ammonia is making some strides. With three ammonia-capable ships already in operation and another 45 on order, momentum is building.

Driving decarbonization with ammonia

Ammonia offers compelling advantages. It is carbon-free at the point of combustion and can significantly reduce overall emissions when produced from renewable sources. Its volumetric energy density makes it suitable for deep-sea shipping, where long voyages demand robust fuel solutions.

However, adoption is not without hurdles. Ammonia’s high toxicity and corrosive nature require stringent safety measures and specialized handling protocols, far beyond those for conventional fuels. Questions around bunkering infrastructure, crew training, and life-cycle emissions remain critical. Nonetheless, ammonia represents a viable option for the future of shipping if these challenges can be solved.

Engine developers commit to ammonia

As momentum gathers, engine manufacturers are stepping up to develop propulsion systems suited for ammonia.

WinGD and J-ENG delivered their first dual-fuel two-stroke engines in late 2025, followed by Everllence in early 2026, while Hyundai’s HiMSEN H22CDF-LA four-stroke engine has already achieved multiclass approval.

Among the vessels on order, seven, including those from shipowners such as Höegh Autoliners and Eastern Pacific Shipping, will feature Everllence’s newly launched two-stroke ammonia engines, rated at 10–15 megawatts.

Introducing the ME-LGIA ammonia dual-fuel engine

The Everllence ME-LGIA (liquid gas injection ammonia) dual-fuel engine marks a major milestone for zero-carbon propulsion. Based on the diesel principle, the engine employs a liquid gas injection concept, enabling operation on both ammonia and conventional fuels. This flexibility supports shipowners during the transition phase, allowing vessels to switch between fuel types as infrastructure and supply chains mature.

Hrishikesh Chatterjee, Senior Promotion Manager – Newbuildings at Everllence, explains: “Our ME-LGIA engine is designed to deliver the same reliability and efficiency as our conventional two-stroke engines, while enabling shipowners to take a decisive step towards zero-carbon operations. Safety and digitalization have been at the core of this development.”

Integrated safety barriers and digital connectivity for secure ammonia operations

To address ammonia’s unique safety challenges, Everllence has integrated double-walled piping with continuous ventilation and monitored airflow routed to treatment systems.

Features such as the ammonia release mitigation system and the ammonia catch system, incorporating a knockout drum and watercolumn scrubbing, help ensure that any leaks are contained and neutralized before they can reach occupied spaces. The fuel valve train, which includes double block and bleed isolation supported by nitrogen purging routines, adds an additional layer of failsafe protection for both crew and vessel.

Furthermore, the engine is digitally connected, enabling secure real-time data flow from vessels to Everllence’s shore-based monitoring systems. This connectivity supports remote assistance and operational optimization, reducing downtime and improving reliability.

Engineering effort and extensive testing

The development of the ME-LGIA engine reflects a significant engineering commitment. Since July 2023, Everllence has invested over 150,000 hours in design and validation, conducting more than 800 tests to ensure performance and safety. These tests covered combustion behaviour, emissions profiles, material compatibility, and failure-mode analysis under varying operational conditions.

The multi-year research and development programme included combustibility investigations, formal hazard identification (HAZID) and hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies, as well as full-scale bunkering and engine trials. “One of the most important lessons learned in the evolution of engine models has been the value of a robust, modular platform as the foundation for innovation,” Chatterjee highlights. “Our ME-C platform has proven to be a trusted and adaptable base for developing advanced dual-fuel technologies, supporting scalable upgrades and systematic dual‑fuel additions, ensuring future upgrades or retrofits.”

Note: The full article by DNV, titled ‘Ammonia technology moves closer to powering deep-sea shipping’, can be found here.

Photo credit: Everllence
Published: 10 February, 2026

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Ammonia

AM Green plans to build green ammonia plant at Indian port

Initiative also includes development of green ammonia handling, storage and bunkering infrastructure, pilot bunkering operations, safety procedures and training programmes, says VOC Port Authority.

Published

1 day ago

June 3, 2026

Admin

VO Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority on Friday (29 May) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s ammonia producer AM Green Ammonia to collaborate in the development of a green ammonia production plant.

The plant will have a capacity of one million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at Tuticorin.

The initiative also includes development of green ammonia handling, storage and bunkering infrastructure, pilot bunkering operations, safety procedures and training programmes.

The project is expected to support the development of green fuel corridors connecting VOC Port with major ports in Europe and Asia, thereby strengthening India’s position in the global green fuels value chain.

VOC Port also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt. Ltd., to collaborate on Green Port certification, emissions accounting, ESG reporting, safety validation, development of green bunkering practices, and establishment of a Centre of Excellence for green fuels and sustainability.

The port also plans for an upcoming 750 m³ green methanol bunkering facility.

Photo credit: Naveed Ahmed on Unsplash
Published: 3 June, 2026

Alternative Fuels

DNV on IMO MSC 111: Interim guidelines for using hydrogen, ammonia as marine fuels approved

Highlights of IMO’s MSC 111 include approved interim guidelines for ships using hydrogen and ammonia cargo as fuels as well as endorsed work plans to address regulatory safety barriers to alternative fuels.

Published

1 week ago

May 26, 2026

Admin

Classification society DNV on Saturday (2 May) released technical and regulatory news on the highlights of IMO’s MSC 111 including approved interim guidelines for ships using hydrogen and ammonia cargo as marine fuels as well as endorsed work plans to address regulatory safety barriers to alternative fuels and new technologies.

The following are excerpts of the article:

The 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) was held from 13 to 22 May 2026. The adoption of a new goal-based Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) marks a key milestone in the IMO’s work to ensure that the regulatory framework keeps pace with the rapid development of shipping technologies. MSC 111 also approved revised Explanatory Notes for the Safe Return to Port concept for passenger ships, as well as draft amendments to the IGC Code for gas carriers to incorporate a decade of Unified Interpretations, turning operational experience into clearer and more consistent requirements.

Training for seafarers on alternative fuels and new technologies

MSC 111 approved new “Interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel”, as well as new “Interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using amm onia as fuel”.

The fuel-specific guidelines support the generic “Interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of GHG emissions from international shipping” (STCW. 7/Circ.25),which were approved by MSC 110 in 2025.

MSC 111 further endorsed the work plan for the further development of training provisions for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies.

Ships using hydrogen as fuel

MSC 111 approved “Interim using hydrogen as fuel” guidelines for the safety of ships

Ships using ammonia cargo as fuel

MSC 111 approved “Interim guidelines for use of ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers”. These guidelines aim to support the safe handling of ammonia as fuel, with main focus on areas outside the cargo areas to ensure safety for the crew and ship.

IGC Code – ships carrying gases or low flashpoint fuels

MSC 111 approved draft amendments to the IGC Code to incorporate the large number of Unified Interpretations (UIs) developed since the latest major review of the code, which entered into force in 2016. The primary objective of the draft amendments is to remove ambiguity and promote the consistent implementation of the IGC Code requirements.

The draft amendments to the IGC Code are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2028, subject to adoption by MSC 112 (December 2026).

The draft amendments to the IGC Code will apply to ships constructed on or after 1 July 2028, i.e. ships:

for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 July 2028; or in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2029; or the delivery of which is on or after 1 July 2032.

Draft amendments to the model form of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk in Appendix 2 of the IGC Code were approved to reflect the three-date application provision.

The following MSC Circulars, containing UIs to the IGC Code, are expected to be suspended upon adoption and entry into force of the IGC Code amendments:

MSC.1/Circ.1543, MSC.1/Circ.1559, MSC.1/Circ.1590,
MSC.1/Circ.1606, MSC.1/Circ.1617, MSC.1/Circ.1625,
MSC.1/Circ.1651, MSC.1/Circ.1669 and MSC.1/Circ.1679.

Note: The full article can be found here.

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 26 May, 2026

Ammonia

Singapore authorises ITOCHU subsidiary to conduct ammonia bunkering trials

ITOCHU plans to conduct demonstration trials in collaboration with MOL, supplying ammonia fuel to dual-fuel Capesize bulkers within the port of Singapore during the last quarter of 2027.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 22, 2026

Admin

ITOCHU orders world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore demonstration project

ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU) on Wednesday (20 May) announced that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has granted authorisation to ZETA Bunkering Pte Ltd (ZETA), a wholly owned subsidiary of ITOCHU, to conduct ammonia bunkering trials in Singapore.

The authorisation was granted following MPA’s review of ZETA’s submissions, which included comprehensive safety studies, risk assessments, and business plans for ammonia bunkering in Singapore.

The ammonia bunkering trials to be conducted under this authorisation will serve to verify the technical readiness, operational protocols, infrastructure, and technologies, to assess and inform the development of safe and environmentally sustainable ammonia bunkering practices in Singapore. The authorisation was issued on 27 April and will become effective on 15 May for a trial period up to two years subject to MPA’s prevailing regulatory framework.

In June 2025, as part of ITOCHU’s integrated project for developing and owning of ammonia-fuelled vessels and the establishment of a global supply chain for ammonia as marine fuel, ITOCHU placed an order for the world’s first newbuilding ammonia bunker vessel, through Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITOCHU. The vessel is being constructed by Sasaki Shipbuilding, will be flagged under the Singapore Registry of Shipping and is expected to be delivered in September 2027.

The authorisation will accelerate ITOCHU’s initiatives to decarbonise international shipping. Specifically, ITOCHU plans to conduct demonstration trials in collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), supplying ammonia fuel from the ammonia bunker vessel to dual-fuel Capesize bulkers, jointly owned by CMB.TECH NV (Belgium) and MOL, and chartered by MOL, within the port of Singapore during the last quarter of 2027, subject to the relevant regulatory approvals.

Through these demonstrations and subsequent ammonia bunkering trial operations under the authorisation, ITOCHU will work closely with MPA and other maritime stakeholders to develop infrastructure, technologies, and operational standards for ammonia bunkering that prioritise safety and environmental sustainability. ITOCHU will also formulate detailed implementation plans, conduct risk assessments, and establish emergency response measures, ensuring that safety and environmental protection remain paramount.

These trials will enable ITOCHU to establish safe and sustainable ship-to-ship bunkering operations using ammonia as marine fuel, with the aim of commercialising the ammonia bunkering business in Singapore and at major maritime hubs worldwide.

Photo credit: ITOCHU Corporation
Published: 22 May, 2026