Latest developments in ammonia bunkering: South Africa and Japan
By on April 23, 2024
Navigator Gas: Successful ship-to-ship ammonia transfer
Click to learn more. The Navigator Jorf received over 25,000 tons of ammonia as part of a ship-to-ship transfer conducted in South Africa, an important milestone on the path to ammonia bunkering. Source: Navigator Gas.
Navigator Gas has successfully performed its first ship-to-ship transfer of anhydrous ammonia. Navigator Jorf, the company’s 38,000 m3 LPG carrier, received 25,300 tons of ammonia from another LPG tanker whilst moored in the Port of Ngqura in South Africa. The demonstration, which lasted 11 hours, showed that a ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia can be completed “safely, reliably and efficiently”.
As the owner and operator of the largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers globally, Navigator has long-standing expertise in ship-to-ship liquefied gas transfer. According to the company, this demonstration signals a milestone towards the utilisation of ammonia as a maritime fuel.
We implemented our comprehensive safety and risk management procedures to complete the transfer in a safe manner, in compliance with the regulations and port authority requirements.
Captain Vitaly Kostyuk, Master of Navigator Jorf, in his organisation’s official press release, 9 April 2024
Completing this ship-to-ship transfer demonstrates the practical feasibility of ammonia bunkering and is an important step in supporting and driving the transition towards a viable carbon-free fuel source. It is our aim to put our full ammonia experience to work with our partners in demonstration projects, pilot projects and joint ventures so we accelerate the transition from fossil to carbon-free fuels.
Mads Peter Zacho, Chief Executive Officer, in his organisation’s official press release, 9 April 2024
JERA: Ground-breaking truck-to-ship bunkering of ammonia fuel
Click to learn more. JERA will, in May this year, begin its truck-to-ship ammonia bunkering project. A tanker truck will supply ammonia to an ammonia powered tug at the port of Yokohama. Source: JERA.
Still on ammonia bunkering, JERA has announced plans to commence the truck-to-ship bunkering of ammonia to an ammonia-fueled tugboat (A-Tug) owned by NYK Line.
The ammonia fuel will be supplied to the A-Tug by tanker truck at the port of Yokohama, beginning in late May 2024. Scheduled to begin commercial operations in June 2024, the tug will be operated by Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha Corporation.
The announcement follows the conclusion of a joint study between NYK and Resonac Corporation. The study focused on the establishment of safe ammonia handling methods and the creation of systems for transporting it to and receiving it at port areas, and the development of rules related to its supply to ships.
JERA plans to achieve Zero CO2 Emissions from its domestic and overseas business operations by 2050. The A-tug bunkering project was announced at this year’s Sea Japan event.