In marine ammonia news to begin 2024, we explore a volume-efficient, “prismatic” ammonia fuel tank design, a new long-term charter for ammonia shipping in the Pacific region, and two global gas exporters ordering ammonia-capable carriers for their fleets.
MAN Energy Solutions has announced that the first SCR catalytic converter for a marine ammonia engine has passed factory tests and been delivered to Japan. Produced in China by stainless steel specialists BUTTING, the unit is designed to significantly reduce NOx emissions from ammonia combustion engines.
Höegh expects the first pair of ammonia-powered car carriers to be delivered late next year from China Merchants Heavy Industry at the Jiangsu Shipyard in China. This month, a new LNG/ammonia tank was installed in the first of the vessels, and MAN ES engines have arrived from Korea, with installation to take place in early December. Höegh has also announced a partnership with Yara Clean Ammonia to develop a future supply of ammonia fuel for the vessels.
In vessel news this week:
In vessel news this week:
Expected to become commercially available in 2025, WinGD’s X-DF-A ammonia powered engines will be fitted on Samsung Heavy Industries’ newbuild vessels. Eastern Pacific Shipping expects its ammonia powered Newcastlemaxes and VLAC fleet to be delivered from 2026 onwards, after signing a series of agreements with MAN Energy Solutions and other key partners.
In Japan, NYK and TBG will develop a new ammonia bunkering boom to help reduce ammonia leakage during fuel transfers. On the newbuild front, Stolt Tanker’s six newbuild vessels will have the option of being retrofitted for ammonia propulsion, including the recently delivered Bochem Houston. Wallenius’ four “next generation” vessels will be initially methanol powered, with the option to run on ammonia.
Chinese automotive manufacturer GAC Group has unveiled its first ammonia-powered, 120 kW engine for passenger cars at a recent showcase event in Guangzhou.
