First Approval in Principle for Project Sabre in Singapore

By Julian Atchison on July 07, 2022

Ammonia bunkering vessel

Graphic visualisation of Keppel’s ammonia-fueled, ammonia bunkering vessel, which has just been granted AiP from ABS. Source: Sabre consortium.
Click to learn more. Graphic visualisation of Keppel’s ammonia-fueled, ammonia bunkering vessel, which has just been granted AiP from ABS. Source: Project Sabre consortium.

ABS has granted Approval in Principle to Keppel Offshore & Marine for an ammonia-fueled, ammonia bunkering vessel. The vessel will be able to act as both ammonia carrier and bunker vessel, receiving ABS Notation ✠A1, Liquefied Gas Carrier with Independent Tanks.

The new vessel is a key component of Project Sabre: a high-profile consortium of maritime organisations developing an ammonia bunker supply chain in Singapore. Keppel and ABS are joined by consortium members Maersk, Fleet Management Limited, the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, Sumitomo Corporation, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. and the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore. The group aims to commence ammonia bunkering in Singapore by 2030.

ABS understands the significant potential ammonia offers to shipowners and operators as well as ports and has developed deep insight into the unique safety challenges it introduces to the design, construction and operation of vessels using it for propulsion or power generation. ABS is leading the way in understanding the design and operation of ammonia-fueled vessels and we are committed to working with key partners, such as those in Project Sabre, to support its safe adoption by the industry.

ABS Director of Global Sustainability Panos Koutsourakis in his organisation’s official press release, 21 June 2022