Ammonia

Singapore Maritime Institute awards USD 17 million in funds to 10 R&D projects

CEMS will develop new training methodologies by infusing multisensory elements into MR and XR to ensure a smooth skill transition to handle emerging bunker fuels such as methanol and ammonia.

Published

2 years ago

November 9, 2023

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Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) on Wednesday (8 November) said it has awarded SGD 23 million (USD 17 million) worth of funding to more than 10 maritime research and development projects in 2023 including new crew training methodologies for vessels that will run on alternative bunker fuels.

Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety (CEMS) at Singapore Polytechnic received an award of SGD 10 million for a second funding period of five years, SMI chairman Professor Low Teck Seng shared at the SMI Forum on 6 November.

In Phase 2, CEMS aims to establish the first dedicated research platform for mixed environment operations for manned and remote/autonomous ships in Southeast Asia. The Centre also seeks to be the first in the world to deploy artificial intelligence into navigational training and assessment to enhance the competencies of future-ready seafarers.

“CEMS will develop new training methodologies by infusing multisensory elements into Mixed Reality (MR) and Extend Reality (XR). This will ensure a smooth skill transition to handle new and emerging fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and electric vessels,” SMI said.

Further, to support the net zero goals for Maritime Singapore, SMI awarded funding to research projects which are aimed at decarbonising maritime operations.

The projects include the research on “Mitigation technology and environmental impact from ammonia bunkering release” led by the Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD) at NTU, as well as the project on “Advanced Modelling and Simulation of Future Harbour Craft Electrification Standards for Singapore” by the Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), A*STAR.

Photo credit: Singapore Maritime Institute
Published: 9 November, 2023

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Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

The 9,100 CEU “Höegh Sunrise”, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

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Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil.

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 22 May, 2025

Ammonia

Singapore-based Seatrium receives AiP from ABS for ammonia bunker vessel

Vessel has a 25,000m³ liquefied ammonia capacity, constructed using IMO Type C containment, designed by Seatrium Marine & Deepwater Technology.

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

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Singapore-based Seatrium receives AiP from ABS for ammonia bunker vessel

Singapore-headquartered marine engineering firm Seatrium on Tuesday (21 May) said it has secured an Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a 25,000m³ ammonia bunker vessel.

The company said the vessel has a 25,000m³ liquefied ammonia capacity, constructed using IMO Type C containment, designed by Seatrium Marine & Deepwater Technology.

The vessel is capable of dedicated ammonia bunkering with optional carrier functionality.

It is designed to operate with a deadweight tonnage of 19,500 mt at 14 knots, allowing for 55 days of operation without the need for refuelling.

The vessel’s features include enhanced safety architecture focused on preventing open-deck leaks, compliant with IMO standards, the IGC Code, and ABS regulations as well as integrated systems allowing a seamless switch between ammonia and diesel fuel.

“The ABS AiP verifies the technical viability and regulatory compliance of our vessel, creating a foundation for detailed engineering and construction,” the company said.

“This approval marks a crucial step towards timely delivery and positions Seatrium as a leader in maritime energy transition. Together, we are building a robust fuel infrastructure for the ZeroCarbon fleet of the future!”

Photo credit: Seatrium
Published: 21 May, 2025

Ammonia

ABS answers critical safety questions related to using ammonia as a marine fuel

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as STS, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

Published

4 days ago

May 19, 2025

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Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Thursday (15 May) published its report to bring together the findings of its advanced research into the performance of ammonia on board.

Critical safety questions such as “how does ammonia behave when it leaks in an engine room?” and “how does a cloud of escaped ammonia disperse during bunkering operations?” are addressed in the latest ABS research.

ABS performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using advanced tools to quantitatively assess the risks associated with ammonia dispersion in accidental leakage scenarios.

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as ship-to-ship, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

“This publication provides a comprehensive report of ABS’ efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by ammonia as a marine fuel,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

“Through detailed analysis of ammonia dispersion studies and emergency evacuation protocols, ABS is contributing to the discourse on safe and supportable maritime fuel alternatives, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.”

In addition to CFD simulation analysis, ABS leveraged the latest industry best practices and advancements in software and hardware – including acoustic cameras for detecting and visualizing ammonia leakage – to provide a thorough, three-part framework for owners and operators evaluating ammonia as a cleaner fuel source:

Proactive regulatory engagement and risk anticipation
Development and implementation of a multifaceted safety framework, combining qualitative and quantitative risk assessments
Real-time monitoring and optimized emergency response

Note: Download a copy of the ABS publication Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel here.

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 19 May, 2025