In our recent episode of Project Features, we explored the outcomes from a recent ammonia bunkering demonstration at the Port of Rotterdam. With thirteen ammonia transfer and bunkering demonstrations occurring in nine global locations since 2024, where does the Port Readiness Level for ammonia bunkering stand in Rotterdam and elsewhere, what are the key technical learnings, and what gaps remain?
With $25 million in funding from the Norwegian Government, Amon Marine will develop two ammonia-powered bulk carriers, entering into a new vessel market. Also in Norway, Færder Tankers has received approval in principle for their design of a 50,000 cubic metre capacity dual fuel ammonia medium carrier and bunkering vessel.
EXMAR announced this week that a WinGD dual-fuel ammonia engine has now been installed onboard the first of its under-construction vessels in South Korea. Ammonia-fueled ammonia carriers similar to EXMAR’s are currently being built in Korea, China, and Japan, with the first of these vessels to hit the water next year.
The consensus that has emerged from across the ammonia energy industry carries a very simple message for the IMO: adopt.
We explore recent, full-scale, four-stroke engine testing results from IHI and Wärtsilä. Testing indicates N2O emissions can be almost fully eliminated with catalytic treatment, and significantly lower NOX emissions for engines running in ammonia mode, compared to running on diesel. While ammonia slip remains a key consideration due to the design of a four-stroke engine, catalytic treatment of the exhaust can eliminate even high concentrations, and release mitigation systems have already been designed and deployed to ensure safe operations.
Trafigura has signed a contract for four medium-sized gas carriers, featuring WinGD dual fuel ammonia engines. The vessels will be built at HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, and the first ship will be delivered in 2028.