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Expert discusses technical considerations of using ammonia as marine fuel

Ammonia as bunker fuel poses significant safety challenges due to its toxicity and flammability, says ABS Regional Business Development Manager Muammer Akturk.

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Technical considerations of ammonia as marine fuel

Muammer Akturk, ABS Regional Business Development Manager, on Monday (10 June) published an article on technical considerations of using ammonia as a marine fuel in his Alternative Marine Fuels Newsletter.

The article dives into the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, focusing on the safety and technical considerations necessary for its implementation.

Ammonia is recognised for its potential as a zero-carbon fuel, making it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. However, it poses significant safety challenges due to its toxicity and flammability.

Key points discussed include:

  1. Safety Measures: The importance of stringent design and operational safety measures to prevent ammonia releases and mitigate risks during both normal and emergency conditions is emphasized. This includes the need for gas dispersion analyses and the use of safety systems like gas detectors and alarms
  2. Regulatory Framework: The article reviews the latest regulations and guidelines developed to ensure the safe use of ammonia as a marine fuel. This includes the IACS Unified Requirement H1, which provides a framework for controlling ammonia releases on vessels
  3. Engineering Considerations: Technical aspects such as fuel storage, handling systems, and the role of risk assessments in identifying potential hazards and implementing preventive measures are detailed
  4. Human Factors: The article also considers the human factors approach to safety, emphasizing training and the importance of designing systems that account for human errorOverall, the article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and solutions associated with using ammonia as a marine fuel, highlighting the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in its adoption.

Editor’s note: The full article can be found at the link here.

 

Published: 13 June 2024

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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