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ENGINE on The Week in Alt Fuels: Ammonia gains ground for 2030 entry

Recent developments in propulsion technologies and bunkering infrastructure suggest that ammonia could be included in the commercial bunker fuel mix before the decade is over.

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ENGINE on The Week in Alt Fuels: Ammonia gains ground for 2030 entry

Recent developments in propulsion technologies and bunkering infrastructure suggest that ammonia could be included in the commercial bunker fuel mix before the decade is over.

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&S) has started prototype testing of German engine maker MAN Energy Solutions’ (MAN ES) two-stroke ammonia dual-fuel engine at its Tamano Factory in Japan. Theoretically, prototype testing bridges the gap between concept and real-world application and shows whether an engine is commercially viable before large-scale deployment.

MAN ES and Mitsui E&S have not yet specified a timeline for project completion, but successful prototype testing could suggest that commercial deployment may be expected soon.

Swiss engine-maker Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) also confirmed that it will launch its ammonia dual-fuel engine by June 2025, while Finland’s Wärtsilä already introduced its ammonia dual-fuel internal combustion engine (ICE) last year.

WinGD has already secured 30 orders for its ammonia-capable engines across bulk carriers, container ships, tankers and LPG/ammonia carriers. Interestingly, classification society DNV reports that 30 ammonia-capable newbuilds are currently on order for delivery towards 2027, but it remains unclear whether all of them will be equipped with WinGD’s engines.

While ammonia ICEs mark a significant step toward its potential adoption as a commercial marine fuel, they come with one caveat – the need for pilot fuel, typically diesel, to ignite ammonia due to its high auto-ignition temperature. Diesel pilot introduces a carbon footprint, which undermines green ammonia’s zero-emission potential.

To address this issue, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean is developing an ammonia gas turbine that could eliminate the need for pilot fuel altogether. The company aims to debut an ammonia gas turbine-powered LNG carrier by 2028, potentially opening the door to 100% ammonia-based propulsion.

Bunkering infrastructure is also a critical factor in enabling ammonia’s commercial adoption.

South Korea has committed $410 million to establish LNG, methanol and ammonia storage facilities at its major ports by 2030. In addition, the country has allocated $270 million to construct four bunkering-only vessels, designed specifically for LNG and ammonia refueling.

Bunker supplier China Shipping & Sinopec successfully bunkered an ammonia-powered tugboat at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry dockyard in China, demonstrating that safe and efficient ammonia bunkering can be carried out with the right infrastructure and handling procedures.

“The successful bunkering has effectively tested the integrity and efficiency of the company’s bunkering equipment system, gathered valuable knowledge and experience for the deployment of ammonia fuel in large vessels,” COSCO Shipping said.

Meanwhile, Norwegian ammonia producer Yara Clean Ammonia has signed the world’s first time-charter agreement for an ammonia-capable medium gas carrier with Japanese firm NYK. The vessel is set for delivery this November.

Despite these advancements, ammonia's high toxicity presents significant safety challenges during bunkering operations and storage. Stringent safety protocols must be followed to mitigate the risk of exposure, especially given ammonia’s potential hazards to human health.

Ammonia bunkering and transfer pilots can help identify the key steps involved in safe fuel handling, Lynn Loo, chief executive of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), told ENGINE. Both operations require specialised equipment, robust containment measures, and strict handling procedures to minimise the risk of ammonia leaks during fuel transfers between vessels.

In other news this week, Swedish e-fuel company Liquid Wind plans to develop another 100,000 mt/year e-methanol production plant in Sweden. Liquid Wind has partnered with Swedish power utility company Övik Energi to set up renewable electricity input to power e-methanol and green hydrogen production.

South Korean shipping firm H-Line Shipping has placed an order with shipbuilding company HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) for an LNG dual-fuel bunkering vessel. The 18,000-cbm capacity vessel will feature a dual-fuel propulsion system, allowing it to run on both LNG and conventional fuel oil. 

Danish pump manufacturer Svanehøj will supply deepwell CO2 cargo pumps for both the onshore storage facility and the first liquefied CO2 carrier in the UK-based energy company INEOS Energy-led Project Greensand. The deepwell CO2 cargo pumps for both the LCO2 carrier and the onshore facility at Port Esbjerg are set for delivery in the third quarter of 2025.

Related: South Korea’s HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

 

Photo credit: Yara
Source: ENGINE
Published: 17 February, 2025

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Newbuilding

Fortescue and CMB.TECH sign charter deal for ammonia-powered ore carrier

The 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax vessel is expected to be delivered to Fortescue by the end of next year and will transport iron ore from the Pilbara to customers in China and around the world.

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Australian green technology, energy and metals company Fortescue on Thursday (17 April) said it has signed an agreement with Bocimar, part of CMB.TECH, to charter a new ammonia-powered ore carrier. 

The 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax vessel is expected to be delivered to Fortescue by the end of next year and will play a vital role taking iron ore from the Pilbara to customers in China and around the world.

The vessel will feature a dual-fuel engine, making it capable of operating on ammonia that can be created using renewable energy.

While Fortescue is committed to eliminating Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its Australian iron ore operations by 2030, its target of Net Zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040 reflects the challenge of eliminating emissions from the shipping of its products to customers and from steelmaking.

Fortescue has been advocating for the early adoption of zero emission fuels such as green ammonia, widely accepted as the long-term solution, and the bypassing of transitional fuels such as biofuels and LNG.

The Fortescue Green Pioneer, the world's first class society approved dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessel, has been in London since early March and will soon embark on a tour of global ports to bring attention to the need for a hastened transition to zero emissions fuels.

Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto, said: “Our landmark agreement with Bocimar sends a clear signal to the market – now is the time for shipowners to invest in ammonia-powered ships.

“The days of ships operating on dirty bunker fuel, which is responsible for three per cent of global carbon emissions, are numbered. We continue to implore shipping regulators to show the character and leadership that is necessary to ensure this happens sooner rather than later.

“Our agreement with Bocimar is just the beginning and is a critical step in addressing our Scope 3 emissions. Through the Fortescue Green Pioneer we have demonstrated that the technology to decarbonise shipping exists now.

“We will continue to work with like-minded companies like Bocimar to transition our fleet to low and zero-emissions vessels and help accelerate the widespread adoption of green ammonia as a marine fuel.”

Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, said: "Fortescue and Bocimar have been close partners for more than 20 years. We share the same values and are both passionate about decarbonising the maritime industry.

“Based on our common belief that green ammonia is the fuel of the future, we were able to conclude this important agreement on the road to zero emission shipping.

“This is the beginning of an exciting journey to build more ammonia-powered ships that will stimulate more green ammonia production projects. We need to decarbonise today to navigate tomorrow.”

Related: Fortescue successfully conducts world’s first ammonia bunker fuel trial in Singapore
Related: SMW 2024: Fortescue gets DNV certificates for ammonia-powered vessel
Related: Singapore: “Fortescue Green Pioneer” completes trials using ammonia-HVO bunker fuel

 

Photo credit: Scott Graham
Published: 22 April, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

Free cost and compliance calculator has been developed by its team based on the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework by IMO’s MPEC 83 recently.

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Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Tuesday (15 April) introduced a free cost and compliance calculator that has been developed by its team based on the newly approved greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pricing framework by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MPEC 83). 

The calculator will help maritime stakeholders explore how the two-tiered, GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI)-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.

GCMD said the buzz around International Maritime Organization's MEPC 83 and the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework has been intense — and understandably so.

“To help make sense of it, our CEO Prof. Lynn Loo started with handwritten trajectory calculations to break down the core workings,” it said in a social media post. 

“Building on that, our team has developed a simple, accessible cost and compliance calculator to help you explore how the two-tiered, GFI-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.”

The calculator is just one input—its results should be considered alongside other economic and operational factors to inform commercial decisions.

The tool covers covers heavy fuel oil (HFO), liquified natural gas (LNG), B24 biofuel, e-ammonia and bio-methanol.

“Whether you're assessing fuel options, planning newbuilds, or just trying to get a feel for what this might mean for your operations — this tool offers a useful first-cut view. For added clarity, we’ve included the workings on the side so you can trace the calculation process,” GCMD added.

Note: GCMD’s cost and compliance calculator can be found here

 

Photo credit: Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
Published: 16 April, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

4.47 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 0.5% on year in March 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.47 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,469,170 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt (4,445,070 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 1.62 million mt (+0.6% from 1.61 million mt), 2.33 million mt (-3.7% from 2.42 million mt), 500 mt (+100% from zero), 100 mt (-98% from 5,100 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 51,900 mt (+100% from zero), 93,700 mt (+42% from 66,000 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). A new addition of biofuel blend, introduced in February this year, B100, recorded no sales in March. 

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 39,000 mt (+1% from 38,600) and zero (from zero).

Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below:

Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 5.2% on year in December 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 4.6% on year in November 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 10.8% on year in October 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales continue to increase by 2.8% on year in September 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 7.2% on year in August 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 3.3% on year in July 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain 8.7% in June 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.7% in May 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 0.6% on year in April 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.4% on year in March 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 18.8% on year in February 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 12.1% on year in January 2024

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 March, 2025

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