The IMO-backed Maritime Just Transition Task Force has unveiled interim frameworks for training seafarers on vessels powered by alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol and hydrogen. The frameworks will provide guidance before harmonised training standards are fully developed.
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.
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.
Foshan Xianhu Laboratory and its collaborators have unveiled a new ammonia-fueled aluminium rod furnace, replacing a conventional, gas-powered multi-bar furnace in the production process.
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.
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.
Wärtsilä has supplied a new advanced simulation suite for the Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) maritime training institute, featuring dual-fuel simulator technology and training for methanol and ammonia fuels across different engine types. In Kochi, India, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has just launched its first methanol bunker simulator, with an ammonia version to follow in early 2026.
In our recent episode of Project Features, we explored the outcomes from a recent ammonia bunkering demonstration at the Port of Rotterdam. With twelve 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?
The consensus that has emerged from across the ammonia energy industry carries a very simple message for the IMO: adopt.