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?
Envision Energy has announced the completion of a successful ammonia bunkering operation at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry's terminal in Dalian. The Yuantuo 1 – which was also involved in China’s first-ever ammonia bunkering operation in January this year – was refueled with renewable ammonia fuel produced at Envision’s newly-opened production plant in Chifeng.
As part of the new joint venture, the pair will lead construction of two 51,530 m3 ammonia-fueled ammonia carriers, which will also be capable of carrying LPG. Contracts have to build the vessels near Shanghai, with deliveries scheduled to take place in June and October 2028.
A new strategy roadmap launched alongside the recent AEA APAC conference envisions Port Hedland in the Pilbara region as a major clean fuel bunkering hub. In news from roadmap partners, Oceania Maritime Energy and SeaTech Solutions have received approval in principle for their ammonia bunkering vessel design (also at the APAC conference), and BHP has signed time charter contracts for two ammonia dual fuel Newcastlemax bulk carriers to carry iron ore to northeast Asia.
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.
Learn more about a recently-completed ammonia bunker pilot facilitated by the Port of Rotterdam, and the global landscape of maritime ammonia activities being tracked by the Global Maritime Forum.
