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Ammonia

Japanese companies to conduct STS ammonia bunkering trial in Singapore

Sumitomo Corporation, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha have been selected to run a demonstration project to supply ammonia as a marine fuel for vessels in Singapore.

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Sumitomo, “K” Line and NYK Line to explore ammonia bunkering vessel in Singapore

Sumitomo Corporation, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha on Thursday (23 April) said they have been selected to run a demonstration project to supply ammonia as a marine fuel for vessels in Singapore.

Sumitomo Corporation will serve as the coordinating company. 

The Demonstration Project has been selected for the FY2024 Supplementary Budget Grant for the “Global South Future-Oriented Co-creation Project, funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The Demonstration Project is designed to establish the groundwork for the future commercialisation of ammonia as a next-generation clean fuel. 

As part of this initiative, the project partners will conduct a trial supply of ammonia fuel using the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer method, employing a bunkering vessel that complies with the requirements set by the Singapore Government. 

This demonstration project will mark the first demonstration of ammonia bunkering by the collaborators. Through this demonstration, the collaborators aim to develop robust safety standards and refine operational procedures, paving the way for the eventual launch of commercial ammonia bunkering services in Singapore.

At present, around 20 million tonnes of ammonia are being traded globally each year, primarily for use in fertilisers and chemical production. 

Maritime transportation of ammonia has played a central role in this trade, with STS transfers already occurring between ammonia carriers. 

However, the supply and utilisation of ammonia as a maritime fuel for vessels introduce new complexities. Given ammonia’s toxic properties, its use requires strict safety measures, specialised equipment and the development of internationally agreed safety standards and operational guidelines.

As a large-scale initiative, the Demonstration Project will be critical in overcoming the technical and operational challenges that must be addressed before commercial services can be fully realised. 

Meeting safety standards and developing operational guidelines is expected to deliver industry-wide benefits, serving as benchmarks of public interest for the safe adoption of ammonia as a bunker fuel. Given the substantial costs associated with the demonstration phase, the financial support from this grant will be pivotal in ensuring the project’s viability and successful execution.

Singapore is the world’s largest bunkering hub. With its well-developed port infrastructure and operational expertise, the country offers a practical testing environment for the commercialisation of ammonia fuel. 

Through the Demonstration Project, feasibility studies will assess supply facilities while managing operational risks, establishing procedures, and evaluating environmental and safety factors to confirm the viability of safe, sustainable ammonia fuel supply.

Manifold Times previously reported “K” LINE entering into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sumitomo Corporation and NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte Ltd (NYK Line) to jointly conduct a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study and explore the ownership of a newbuild Ammonia Bunkering Vessel (N-ABV) in Singapore.

Related: Sumitomo, “K” Line and NYK Line to explore ammonia bunkering vessel in Singapore

 

Photo credit: Sumitomo Corporation
Published: 24 April, 2026

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Ammonia

ENOVA-backed ammonia bunkering projects progress as planned, says Azane

Company remains committed to delivering all three terminals in line with the ENOVA plan, with the ambition of having them operational by 2029.

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ENOVA-backed ammonia bunkering projects progress as planned, says Azane

Azane Fuel Solutions subsidiary Azane Infrastructure AS on Tuesday (16 June) confirmed that it is continuing all three ENOVA-supported ammonia bunkering terminal projects and is moving forward with delivering the projects in accordance with the agreed plan and timeline.

The company said the projects represent a major step toward making ammonia a viable zero-carbon fuel option for vessels engaged in both coastal and offshore operations. At the same time, they mark the first major step toward establishing a clean ammonia fuel bunkering network along the Norwegian coast.

“By moving forward with the terminals at Florø, Stavanger and Mongstad, Azane is demonstrating its commitment to executing the ENOVA-supported projects and building the infrastructure required for the maritime energy transition,” the company said. 

The company remains committed to delivering all three terminals in line with the ENOVA plan, with the ambition of having them operational by 2029 to support growing demand for clean ammonia fuel in shipping.

“We are continuing all three projects with full commitment and in close alignment with the plan agreed with ENOVA,” said Steinar Kostøl, CEO of Azane Infrastructure AS. 

“These terminals are not only important individual projects – they are the first major step toward establishing a clean ammonia fuel bunkering network and enabling zero-carbon shipping along the Norwegian coast and beyond.”

 

Photo credit: Azane Fuel Solutions
Published: 18 June, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

4.55 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025, according to MPA data.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port dropped by 6.8% on year in May 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.55 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,548,000 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt (4,878,100 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 May (against on year) recorded respectively 1.79 million mt (-5.3% from 1.89 million mt), 2.29 million mt (-6.5% from 2.45 million mt), zero (-100% from 1,200 mt), 600 (35.2% from 1,700 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May, (against on year) recorded respectively 11,600 mt (-71.6% from 40,900 mt), 36,400 mt (-62.1% from 96,100 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 12,800 mt (+573.7% from 1,900 mt). 

LNG and methanol sales were 70,300 mt (+56.2% from 45,000 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 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

DNV says shipowners are adopting more varied fuel strategies, reflecting a growing emphasis on optionality, regulatory compliance and risk management in long-life vessel investments.

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DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of 36 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in May 2026.

Activity was primarily driven by LPG/ethane carriers, which accounted for 26 of the orders. A further eight LNG-fuelled vessels were ordered, including six container vessels and two car carriers, alongside two ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers.

So far in 2026, a total of 119 orders have been placed for alternative-fuelled vessels. Of these, LNG-fuelled vessels (60) account for the largest share of the orderbook, with the majority of these (42) coming from the container segment, and a smaller share (12) from car carriers.  

A further 50 orders have been placed for LPG/ethane carriers, while activity in other fuel types remains limited, with orders for methanol/ethanol (4), ammonia (4), and hydrogen (1).  

By the end of May, the share of alternative-fuelled vessels in total tonnage was notably lower than over the same period in 2025.

DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “While the pace of alternative-fuelled contracting has varied compared to 2025, the industry continues to move forward in its transition, with owners advancing fuel and technology decisions against a backdrop of evolving regulatory and market conditions.  

“As in previous years, ordering of alternative-fuelled vessels has been led by the container segment, but dynamics are shifting. While activity remains strong, the focus has moved towards smaller vessels, with fewer very large container ships, which are historically more likely to adopt alternative fuels, being ordered. At the same time, we are seeing increased activity in tanker and bulker segments.  

“What is also becoming clearer is that fuel choice is no longer approached as a single bet. Owners are increasingly treating it as a portfolio decision, managing fuel optionality, timing of investment, and exposure to future regulation as they navigate long-life asset decisions.

“This is reflected in more varied ordering patterns, reinforcing that the transition is not progressing in a straight line.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 5 June, 2026

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