Classification society DNV on Wednesday (18 June) said it has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International (SeaTech) in collaboration with Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) for the design of a new 10,000cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. 

This AiP builds on a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DNV, SeaTech, and Oceania, initiated at Singapore Maritime Week and signed in April this year.

Located in the Pilbara region, home to the world’s largest bulk export port, the Port of Dampier is emerging as a potential hub for low-carbon ammonia bunkering.

Driven by a rising demand for low- and zero-carbon shipping fuels from the region’s mining and export industries, the port has built considerable experience in dealing with ammonia cargoes and vessels and is developing a strategy to facilitate ammonia bunkering operations. This includes the successful completion of its first ship-to-ship pilot bunkering transfer in September 2024. 

Measuring 130-metres, the ammonia bunkering vessel is specifically designed to deliver low-carbon ammonia to ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers at the Port of Dampier. It can supply up to 9,000cbm of fuel, sufficient to support two round-trips of iron ore shipment between Australia and North Asia. The vessel’s optimized arrangement and advanced containment systems enable efficient ship-to-ship transfers while ensuring the safe handling of ammonia as both a cargo and marine fuel.

Nick Bentley, Managing Director at Oceania Marine Energy, said: “Oceania is proud to have worked in tandem with DNV and SeaTech to deliver a flagship, low-emissions marine fuel solution at the heart of Australia’s heaviest resource export hub. The completion of this MOU and Approval in Principle (AiP) award by DNV for our 10,000m³ clean ammonia bunker vessel marks a major milestone in developing the supply and bunker operation foundations for the low-carbon shipping Pilbara–Asia green-corridor.

“This initiative reinforces Oceania’s commitment to deliver 1 million tonnes of clean marine fuel by 2030 and positions Dampier in Western Australia as a future leader, enabling the shipping industry’s transition to near net-zero marine fuel.”

Prabjot Singh Chopra, Vice President of Technology at SeaTech Solutions, said: “We are proud to work alongside Oceania and DNV to bring this innovative ammonia bunkering vessel design to life. As part of the maritime industry’s multi-fuel transition to low- and zero-carbon energy, ammonia stands out as a viable option for long-haul shipping—and enabling its safe and efficient delivery is critical.”

“Our vessel design incorporates a high level of automation and smart control systems to ensure safe handling of ammonia, enhancing both crew safety and operational reliability during ship-to-ship transfers. This Approval in Principle marks a key milestone, not just for the vessel, but for the broader ecosystem that must be in place to support ammonia bunkering. With Dampier emerging as a green marine fuel hub, and with SeaTech (Australia) actively engaged in supporting decarbonisation initiatives aligned with Australia’s net zero ambitions, we bring a strong track record and deep expertise to deliver practical, scalable solutions that enable the decarbonisation of global shipping.”

Antony M Dsouza, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, added: “Scaling up production and bunkering infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges in the maritime energy transition, and will be vital to the adoption of alternative fuels at scale.”

“This AiP is another step in realizing operationally ready bunkering capabilities and strengthening industry confidence in the potential of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for shipping. At DNV, we’re proud to support forward-thinking partners like SeaTech and Oceania with the trusted technical assurance and deep expertise needed to realize the industry’s decarbonization ambitions.”

DNV has a long history of working on initiatives to support the development and uptake of ammonia as a marine fuel, including a recent ammonia bunkering safety study for the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), which was utilized in the ship-to-ship ammonia transfer pilot at the Port of Dampier.

Related: GCMD: STS ammonia transfers pave way for ammonia bunkering in Pilbara region

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 19 June, 2025

Singapore-headquartered Ocean Network Express (ONE) on Tuesday (17 June) announced the naming of ONE Singapore, the sixth vessel in a series of 20 ammonia/methanol ready container vessels. 

The naming ceremony took place at the Hiroshima Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding in Japan, marking another milestone in ONE’s fleet expansion program.

The 13,900 TEU vessel, which is methanol and ammonia-ready, is another demonstration of ONE’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices. 

Following the successful integration of ONE Sparkle – ONE’s first owned newbuilding – and subsequent sister vessels, ONE Singapore will strengthen the company’s service offerings on the trade lanes where it will be deployed.

Jeremy Nixon, CEO, said: “Today’s naming of ONE Singapore signifies further progress in our fleet expansion strategy. This vessel, carrying the name of our global headquarters city, symbolises our strong connection to Singapore’s vibrant maritime ecosystem.”

“As we deploy this vessel into service, we continue to build upon ONE’s strong commitment to Singapore, in its prime position as the leading global international maritime centre.”

ONE Singapore represents the continued execution of ONE’s strategy to build a more sustainable and efficient fleet. The vessel is classed LR and Singapore flagged. 

Photo credit: Imabari Shipbuilding
Published: 18 June, 2025

Pilbara Ports on Tuesday (17 June) published the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategic roadmap to establish Australia’s first clean fuel bunkering hub in the Pilbara.

Lower carbon ammonia fuels could cut regional shipping emissions by up to 94%. 

Positioning the Pilbara as a global hub for clean marine fuel and the decarbonisation of international shipping are at the centre of a new roadmap released today. 

The Pilbara Ports ‘Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub’ outlines a strategic roadmap to establish a clean fuel bunkering hub in the region, enabling the use of alternative marine fuels such as ammonia. The first of its type in Australia, the bunkering hub would support decarbonisation efforts across the shipping, resource and maritime sectors, in line with the State Government 2050 emissions reduction target.

The Pilbara is uniquely placed to become a global clean fuel hub due to its high shipping volumes, proximity to emerging ammonia producers, and short transit distances to major Asian markets. In 2023-24 alone, Pilbara Ports facilitated over 7,700 vessel visits, primarily on the Pilbara-China iron ore route.

A shift to low-carbon fuels could reduce shipping emissions from more than nine million tonnes of CO2 per year to under 560,000 tonnes – a 94% reduction. 

To support the delivery of the strategic roadmap, Pilbara Ports is working with industry partners to progress a number of integrated workstreams to guide safe, efficient and commercially viable clean fuel bunkering covering infrastructure, regulation, supply, demand, safety, economics, stakeholder engagement and a future potential trial at the Port of Port Hedland in 2026.

The release of the roadmap follows a world first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer trial at anchorage in the Port of Dampier in September 2024. In partnership with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Yara Clean Ammonia, 2,700 tonnes of ammonia was transferred between the Green Pioneer and Navigator Global. This global first has been recognised as a significant step toward large scale clean fuel bunkering. 

Upon completion of the trial, a report was issued in June 2025 by the GCMD with key findings confirming that ship-to-ship ammonia transfer at anchorage can be both safe and practicable, provided that recommended safeguards and operational controls are implemented.

Ports Minister Stephen Dawson, said: “The launch of Pilbara Ports ‘Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub Strategy’ is a pivotal step forward for Western Australia’s clean energy future. 

“By enabling clean fuel bunkering in the Pilbara, we are helping global shipping reduce emissions while unlocking new economic and industrial opportunities for the State. 

“If we are to reach net zero targets by 2050 all sectors of the economy have a role to play.”

Energy and Decarbonisation and Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, said: “Innovative thinking has positioned the Pilbara’s mining industry as global leaders.

“Now the region can lead the way in slashing carbon emissions across the shipping, resource and maritime sectors by becoming a clean fuel bunkering hub.

“This is an excellent example of collaboration across industry and government to help us meet our decarbonisation targets.”

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel, said: “As the world transitions to cleaner energy, we’re investing in the infrastructure and partnerships that will make clean fuel bunkering a reality – right here on our doorstep.

“This Strategy positions our ports at the forefront of global sustainability efforts.”

Note: Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategic roadmap can be viewed here. 

Related: GCMD presents key learnings from ammonia STS transfer trial at Pilbara, Australia
Related: GCMD: STS ammonia transfers pave way for ammonia bunkering in Pilbara region

Photo credit: Pilbara Ports
Published: 18 June, 2025