Alternative Fuels

LR, SDARI and MAN ES sign MoU on ammonia dual-fuel boxship for MSC

Under MOU, a technical specification and associated design documents will be developed for a variant of SDARI’s twin island 8200 TEU container ship design for a vessel contracted to LR class by MSC.

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2023

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Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Thursday (18 May) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) and MAN Energy Solutions (MAN-ES) for a design for the ammonia dual-fuel operation of an MSC container ship.

Under the MOU, a technical specification and the associated design documents will be developed for a variant of SDARI’s twin island 8200 TEU container ship design for a vessel contracted to LR class by MSC.

This will allow MSC, one of the world’s leading container carriers, to have the option for adopting ammonia as a zero-carbon main propulsion fuel for future newbuilding contracts.

As part of the project, SDARI will prepare the specification and design documentation of the ammonia dual-fuel variant, whilst LR will verify that the design conforms with safety standards and rules relating to the usage of ammonia as a marine fuel. MAN-ES will deliver data for the engine design and ammonia fuel supply and emission abatement systems.

Increasingly seen as one of the most promising alternative fuels to support the maritime energy transition, ammonia emits no CO2 when it is burned, and its stability and comparatively reasonable energy-to-volume ratio creates opportunities for long-distance transportation.

Nick Brown, CEO, Lloyd’s Register, said: “LR is delighted to join this landmark project with MSC, SDARI and MAN Energy Systems for MSC’s new ammonia dual fuel container ship design. The application of ammonia as a marine fuel for the container ship sector will be crucial for our industry to achieve the emission reduction targets set by the IMO and this cross-supply chain collaboration marks a vital step in the maritime industry’s energy transition.”

Giuseppe Gargiulo, Head of Newbuilding, MSC, said: “Proactive collaboration between ship operators, ship designers, class and engine makers has never been so important. MSC is pleased to enter in this project to evaluate if Zero Carbon Fuels like Ammonia can be safely adopted and the impact they will have on vessel operation.”

Wang Gangyi, CTO of SDARI, said: "Under this MOU, we will produce the technical solution for an ammonia dual fuel variant of our 8,200 TEU containership design for MSC, a world-leading shipping company. Project like this are vital for helping us evaluate the risks and opportunities of using ammonia for propulsion and for sharing these learnings across the maritime supply chain.”

Bjarne Foldager, Head of 2-stroke, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “In order to meet the decarbonisation objectives of our industry on time, we need to look closely at all fuel solutions. Being part of this MoU with MSC, SDARI and LR aligns with our strategic purpose, to provide decarbonization solutions for our trusted partners and it solidifies the industry commitment to reduce emissions.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 19 May, 2023

Alternative Fuels

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

New vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong.

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2025

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PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20.

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025

LNG Bunkering

Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel “Coralius” made its 920th LNG delivery to “Höegh Sunlight”, a brand new PCTC, with a capacity of 9100 CEU, at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden on 10 March.

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Energy company Gasum on Wednesday (19 March) announced its delivery of liquified natural gas (LNG) to a car carrier during a simultaneous bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The company said it was the first ever LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight at the Logent Car Terminal on 10 March 2025.

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel Coralius made its 920th LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight, a brand new Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), with a capacity of 9100 CEU, during a ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

The company did not specify the amount of LNG supplied to the vessel.

The delivery was a collaboration between Gasum, Glander International, Höegh Autoliners, the Port of Gothenburg and Sirius Agency.

Photo credit: Gasum
Published: 20 March, 2025