Trafigura, CF & Purus complete first ammonia-LPG co-loaded voyage

Medium gas carrier Green Power sails from USA to Europe

Click to learn more. The Green Power leaves Corpus Christi co-loaded with LPG and ammonia, before sailing to Europe and discharging the cargoes separately. Source: Trafigura.

In early January, the vessel was loaded with ammonia from CF Industries’ plant in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and with LPG at the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas in separate onboard storage tanks. After sailing to Europe, the cargoes were discharged separately: the LPG was unloaded in the Mediterranean, and the ammonia at Tees Port in the UK for use at CF’s fertiliser plant in Billingham.

The demonstration partners reported no issue with the voyage, or with the separate loading & unloading operations. The voyage was intended to demonstrate “efficient and economic” future pathways for the transport of ammonia, particularly as the scale-up of new maritime fuels occurs. The Green Power vessel was also involved in Trafigura’s first-ever ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia in the Straits of Gibraltar last July.

We transport LPG and ammonia from the US to Europe on similar ships on a regular basis. We can improve the economics for our customers and reduce emissions with fewer voyages by safely co-loading Ammonia and LPG in the same vessel.

Patricio Norris, Global Head of Ammonia and LPG for Trafigura, in his organisation’s press release, 16 Jan 2025

We appreciate the partnership we have with Trafigura as we take steps together to help prepare for demand growth of low-carbon ammonia and the expected transition of the marine shipping industry to low-carbon ammonia as a fuel. Ammonia is safely transported around the world by vessels daily, and this voyage reinforces the flexibility we have to serve emerging low-carbon ammonia demand as we innovate shipping methods with industry-leaders such as Trafigura.

Bert Frost, Executive Vice President, Sales, Market Development and Supply Chain, CF Industries, in Trafigura’s press release, 16 Jan 2025

More ammonia carriers on the way from Korea

Click to learn more. Graphic visualisation of Purus’ new dual-fuel medium gas carriers, six of which will be delivered by 2027. Source: Purus.

For ship owner and operator Purus, the voyage of the Green Power is another step in its plans for expanded future ammonia trade. Last September, Purus placed an order at the Hyundai Mipo dockyards in South Korea for two dual-fuel medium gas carriers, each with 45,000 m³ capacity. Four identical vessels were ordered in May 2023 (steel-cutting for these vessels started recently), and when the six new vessels are delivered between 2025 and 2027, Purus will own and operate a fleet of nine ammonia gas carriers – one of the world’s largest. Purus reports the new vessels will feature “innovative cargo handling system[s] designed for maximum flexibility and efficiency, enabling faster loading and unloading processes.”