Leakage-free bunkering & ammonia-ready newbuild vessels

NYK & TB Global Technologies: Japan’s first bunkering boom for ammonia

NYK and TBG will jointly develop Japan’s first bunkering boom for ammonia. A bunkering boom connects a bunkering vessel to another vessel for fuel supply. Consisting of rigid pipes and hoses, the boom is both durable and flexible via swivel joints, allowing for any vessel movement when refueling.

Japan-based TBG manufactures cargo handling equipment for crude oil, LNG, and other liquids. The project will use TBG’s technology to prevent liquid leakage when the boom is released in emergencies such as extreme weather. Leakage prevention is one of the biggest challenges in the ammonia fuel supply chain, especially during bunker fuel transfer.

NYK will provide data related to the development of its ammonia bunkering vessel, which received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK in September 2022. NYK will also share knowledge gained from Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel, Kaguya, which is operated by its affiliate Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan Corporation.

Newbuild vessel Bochem Houston joins Stolt Tankers’ fleet

Earlier this year, Belgian shipowner Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB)’s chemical tanker division Bochem and Stolt Tankers reached an agreement for the addition of six newbuild, 26,000 DWT chemical tankers to Stolt Tankers’ joint service fleet.

As part of this, the ammonia-ready Bochem Houston has now entered service, increasing Stolt’s fleet size to 84. The ship was ordered by CMB from the CMJL shipyard in China. The remaining 5 ammonia-ready ships are expected to enter service between the remainder of this year and 2024.

As well as securing attractively priced tonnage in a firm chemical tanker market, these modern, fuel-efficient ships will help to lower the age profile and carbon intensity of our fleet while offering customers more flexibility as they can trade in any of our deep-sea routes. With the option for these ships to be retrofitted for ammonia propulsion, the agreement also supports Stolt Tankers’ commitment to reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels).

Lucas Vos, Stolt Tankers President, in his organisation’s official press release, 16 August 2023

Wallenius Wilhelmsen: ammonia-ready newbuild vessels

Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) have announced an agreement which will see Jingling supply four “next generation vessels” from the second half of 2026. The newbuild vessels will use alternative fuels sources such as ammonia and methanol upon delivery.

The agreement is part of Wallenius’ aim to have a net-zero emissions 125-135 strong fleet by 2027. To denote its commitment to shaping the move towards decarbonised shipping, Wallenius has called this class of vessels “The Shaper Class.”

Also part of the agreement is an optional supply of eight 9,350 CEU class methanol dual fuel pure car and truck carriers.

The process of developing our new design started over 1.5 years ago and the Newbuildings team have been working in close collaboration with the designer (Delta Marin) and internal & external stakeholders during this period, to ensure the vessel design meets safety requirements and is well suitable for our future short term & long-term operational needs. Energy efficiency & reducing GHG emissions is a top priority, and a lot of effort has put into ensuring the new vessels will significantly contribute to meeting our emission reduction targets.

Lars Ekren, Senior Manager – Newbuildings and Conversions, Wallenius, in his organisation’s official press release, 15 August 2023

To secure our number one position, we will continue to deliver great services with a competitive fleet, offering sustainable supply chain services both on land and at sea. We are already partnering with our customers on reducing emissions through biofuel and with the new vessels we can accelerate this towards net-zero. This requires new and more expensive fuels but both we and our customers are committed to secure this as soon as it can be made available.

Xavier Leroi, Wallenius EVP & COO Shipping Services, in his organisation’s official press release, 15 August 2023