An “entire cargo” of 23,000 tons of ammonia was transferred from NYK’s ammonia carrier Berlian Ekuator to Trammo’s ammonia carrier Eco Enchanted, operated by Trammo. This is NYK’s first STS operation using ammonia.
Pherousa Green Technologies has announced that its ammonia cracking-based maritime propulsion system will now enter a two-year pilot testing and deployment program. Pherousa will look to deploy its system on a series of 63,000 dwt Ultramax dry bulk carriers, with the first vessel to officially launch in 2030.
The first-ever guidelines for use of anhydrous ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers have been finalized by the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers. The guidelines will add supplementary text to the existing IGC Code, adding in specific design and operational requirements for ammonia-fueled vessels.
One spot per week will be allocated to a vessel registered as dual-fuel and capable of operating on at least one lower-emission fuel, such as ammonia. For the initial phases of the scheme, immediate use of the fuel will not be required, and the Canal Authority “recognize the investment and capacity to operate them once supply becomes available”.
Yara Clean Ammonia has reached a time-charter agreement with Navigator Ammon Shipping for two 51,000 m3 dual fuel midsized gas carriers to be delivered by October 2028. The company also celebrated the official start of construction of Yara Eyde, its new ammonia-powered container ship.
Hanwha Power Systems has received Approval in Principle from the American Bureau of Shipping for its ammonia gas turbine conversion design. Hanwha and partners are aiming for conversion of LNG carriers by 2028.
Japan Engine Corporation has announced commercial readiness for its new 2-stroke, dual-fuel engine. The first engine unit will be installed on an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier next month, with the vessel scheduled to enter service in 2026.
Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions) will supply four 7S60ME-LGIA dual-fuel engines to Höegh Autoliners, for installation aboard Höegh’s new Aurora-class car carriers.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and ITOCHU will use their own vessels to demonstrate ship to ship ammonia bunkering in Singapore in 2027. This week, ITOCHU also signed collaboration agreements for the development of ammonia bunkering near the Suez Canal.
GMF’s new report finds that both ammonia and methanol fuels are now “ready” for commercial deployment, but a concerted push is required to enable scale-up beyond 2030. The report highlights the increased familiarity (and confidence) from key maritime stakeholders with ammonia fuel, and a recommendation to independently verify emissions from the first ammonia-fueled vessels.