The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) achieved a significant milestone in maritime decarbonization on 14 September 2024, when a GCMD-led consortium successfully conducted the first-ever ship-to-ship ammonia transfers at anchorages within the Port of Dampier, Pilbara. These operations mark a critical step towards establishing the Pilbara region as a global green ammonia bunkering hub.
The two ship-to-ship transfers were executed between two vessels: the Green Pioneer, a 35,000 cubic meter (cbm) ammonia carrier owned by MOL, and the Navigator Global, a 22,500 cbm ammonia carrier owned by Navigator Gas. The ammonia used in the transfers was provided by Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA), a major player in the global ammonia trade.
Successful Transfers Boost Ammonia Bunkering Potential in Pilbara
The first transfer involved moving 4,000 cbm (approximately 2,700 tonnes) of ammonia from the Green Pioneer to the Navigator Global. The ammonia was later transferred back to the Green Pioneer. Each transfer operation took approximately six hours to complete, with the first transfer concluding at 0830 hours on 14 September.
These successful operations highlight Pilbara’s viability as a green ammonia bunkering hub, further supported by a tripartite collaboration between GCMD, Pilbara Ports, and Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA). The region’s potential for ammonia bunkering was initially highlighted in a Global Maritime Forum study, identifying Pilbara as an optimal site for ammonia-based refueling. Additionally, Yara Pilbara’s facility has commenced construction to enable renewable ammonia production by 2025.
Ammonia Ship-to-Ship Transfers: A Proxy for Bunkering Operations
Given the absence of ammonia bunkering vessels and ammonia-fueled ships, ship-to-ship transfers at anchorage provide the closest proxy to actual bunkering. This approach allows industry players to replicate the key processes involved in bunkering operations, preparing the region for future large-scale ammonia refueling activities.
The Port of Dampier, a prominent player in ammonia exports, provided an ideal location for this pilot. The first transfer served as a proxy for breakbulk operations, while the second demonstrated the potential for ammonia bunkering activities that are expected to expand to other ports in the region.
Safety protocols for the ammonia transfers were meticulously developed in collaboration with safety consultants, port authorities, and experienced ammonia vessel operators. Key safety measures included the use of emergency release couplings, emergency shutdown devices, hot-gas, and nitrogen purging procedures. These precautions ensured the successful execution of the transfers with minimal risk.
Safety Studies and Emergency Response Measures
To ensure the highest safety standards, a comprehensive series of safety workshops were conducted starting in May 2024. GCMD, Pilbara Ports, and Yara Clean Ammonia collaborated on risk and safety assessments, including Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies. These assessments identified no high-risk items across the seven risk nodes and three transfer nodes, confirming the operation’s safety readiness.
DNV, a strategic partner of GCMD, conducted a detailed review of the transfer conditions, including flow rates, vessel compatibility, and safety job analysis. In addition, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) dispersion analysis using site-specific weather and ocean data showed a maximum plume length of less than one nautical mile, well within the designated anchorage radius.
To ensure preparedness in case of an emergency, Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), along with BlueTack and Stream Marine Technical, developed a Pilbara-specific emergency response plan (ERP). The Coral Knight, an ex-Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) firefighting tug, was deployed to provide emergency assistance.
The findings and recommendations from these studies were presented to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Department of Transport (DoT), and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), who provided essential guidance to ensure operational safety.
Ecosystem Support for Ammonia Transfers
A collaborative effort between consortium partners enabled the successful execution of these ship-to-ship ammonia transfers. James Fisher Fendercare was contracted to provide resources for the transfer, while Yara Clean Ammonia supplied the ammonia cargo. The Green Pioneer was specifically assigned for this trial, with Navigator Global acting as the second vessel.
Marine specialists from both vessels provided technical and operational support during the trial, while Rio Tinto delivered towage and tug services. Additional support came from bp, BHP, Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), and Gard, all of whom contributed to the trial’s successful outcome.
Professor Lynn Loo, CEO, GCMD, said “This ammonia transfer pilot is a testament to the deliberate collaboration and rigorous planning of all parties involved. Beyond addressing the technical and operational challenges, executing this pilot required us to navigate complex commercial landscapes, including securing vessels, managing cargo transfers, as well as handling uncertainties and spur-of-the-moment hiccups that arise during operations. We are deeply grateful to all our partners for their open exchanges and unwavering support, without which this pioneering effort would not have been possible. This pilot marks a crucial step towards preparing the ecosystem for using ammonia as a marine fuel, paving the way for eventual bunkering when ammonia-fueled vessels become available.”
Samuel McSkimming, CEO, Pilbara Ports, said “The Pilbara is an obvious beachhead for investment in green fuels. It has all the ingredients for success: a vast industrial base, stable demand, ample access to solar and wind energy, and world-leading export infrastructure. The scale of maritime operations in the Pilbara, together with its critical role in supplying half the world’s iron ore, makes it the center of efforts to decarbonize the world’s bulk shipping fleet. Ammonia is already produced, stored, and exported in industrial quantities from the Port of Dampier. The GCMD/Yara Clean Ammonia trial leveraged that experience to incrementally advance the potential of ammonia as a green marine fuel, to the benefit of others across the global maritime sector. At Pilbara Ports, by working with industry partners, we will continue to facilitate efforts to safely, productively, and effectively decarbonize the maritime industry.”
Murali Srinivasan, SVP Commercial, Yara Clean Ammonia, said “International shipping accounts for approximately 3% of global GHG emissions, and we see clean ammonia as the zero-emission fuel to decarbonize the shipping industry and meet the IMO targets. For more than a century, we have been producing and shipping ammonia with the highest safety standards and efficient operations. Ammonia is already an integral part of port operations in Dampier, due to Yara’s ammonia plant, where construction for renewable ammonia production is ongoing. Collaboration on safety is ingrained in our thinking, and we are very proud to be part of this tripartite project, actively contributing to the positive outcome of the trial(s). “
“The successful ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia is a critical learning step toward enabling ammonia bunkering operations in a port environment, as global shipping moves toward the effective use of clean ammonia as fuel. We thank all partners involved and highly appreciate the leadership of GCMD in bringing frontrunners together, as well as the Pilbara Ports for their facilitation and guidance.”
Jotaro Tamura, Senior Managing Executive Officer, MOL, said “As one of the major shipping companies operating about 880 vessels, we are very proud to be part of this ammonia STS trial, which brings significant progress in ammonia bunkering. This is a great example of collaboration between cargo owners, government, port authorities, and ship operators, crucial for the transition to alternative fuels. We appreciate the organizing and planning by GCMD, as well as the partners involved, for the success of this trial.”
Mads Peter Zacho, CEO, Navigator Gas, said “Ammonia is a serious contender as a zero-carbon fuel for shipping, with lower production costs and better scalability than alternative fuel sources. Given the projected demand for greener fuels in the future and the clear long-term potential for ammonia as an energy source in a range of industrial settings, there is a strong business case for investing in the infrastructure needed to meet that demand. The successful completion of this pilot study in the Pilbara lays the foundation for the continued development of ammonia fueling capabilities in the region. For Navigator, supporting the transition to low-emissions fuels is a strategic priority. This project represents another case-in-point demonstration that with the right expertise, ammonia can be handled safely, reliably, and efficiently.”
Sarah Greenough, Head of Maritime, BHP, said “The success of these two pilot ammonia STS transfers brings the industry a step closer to realizing the use of ammonia as a marine fuel. BHP is proud to have been part of this trial, and we look forward to greater collaboration with our industry partners to unlock low-to-zero greenhouse gas emissions shipping with ammonia fuel.”
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime, DNV, said “Ammonia presents a promising path as a carbon-neutral fuel essential for the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts. Our initial involvement in GCMD’s ammonia bunkering safety study was instrumental in developing safety guidelines that contributed to the success of the operational trial today. This pioneering partnership highlights our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, as we leverage our expertise to advance toward a safer and more sustainable future for the maritime sector.”
Cyril Ducau, CEO, Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), said “This milestone in ammonia bunkering trials marks an important step toward the future of green shipping. The success of these ship-to-ship transfers in the Pilbara region demonstrates the viability of ammonia as a sustainable alternative fuel for the maritime industry, advancing the decarbonization of global shipping. At EPS, we are committed to the development of ammonia as part of our broader decarbonization strategy, and we are proud to support innovative collaborations like these that move the industry closer to a cleaner, greener future.”
Rolf Thore Roppestad, CEO, Gard, said “We are excited to see that the ship-to-ship ammonia transfers in the Pilbara region have been successful. Decarbonization will require many different parties working together, and this pilot project is a great example of that. As a leading marine insurer, our role has been to support with risk mapping and risk mitigation advice throughout the process. We stand ready to support the industry on its continued journey to decarbonize.”
Ruth Christie, Product Line Director, James Fisher Fendercare, said “We’re extremely proud to have been involved in this industry-leading initiative with GCMD and its partners, helping to demonstrate the operational viability of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. The potential of ammonia is huge as a zero-carbon fuel to accelerate the energy transition. Ship-to-ship transfer services can play a significant role in supporting the industry’s development, meeting increasing demand, and supporting global energy supply security. Our thanks go to everyone involved in making this prestigious project a success.”
Vania De Stefani, CEO, OSRL, said “This initiative marks a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the shipping industry, and OSRL is honored to play a key role in its success. We are proud to have supported this critical trial by developing the emergency response plan, showcasing our commitment to collaboration with industry leaders. By working closely with key stakeholders, we were able to apply our expertise in oil spill response and contingency planning to ensure safety and effective incident control. The success of this trial is a testament to strong partnerships and open communication, allowing us to overcome technical and operational challenges together throughout the project.”
Laure Baratgin, Head of Commercial Operations, Rio Tinto, said “This pilot is a significant advancement in establishing ammonia as a green fuel for shipping. The insights we gain from the trial will be instrumental in advancing maritime value chain decarbonization efforts, including the West Australia–East Asia iron ore green corridor. At Rio Tinto, we are fully committed to supporting industry experts as we all work to achieve our climate goals in shipping.”
Professor Chan Eng Soon, CEO, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), said “As a national Research and Development platform in Singapore dedicated to the marine and maritime industries, we are glad to support this ammonia transfer pilot operation, especially in validating the safety of the side-by-side bunkering operation in the Pilbara region. Given the relative vessel motions experienced in such side-by-side configurations, the predictability of the vessels’ motions in the operating environment, including the influence of waves, winds, and currents, is crucial and would inform decisions on optimal operational windows and suitable orientations of the vessels to ensure safety and operational efficiency. The knowledge and experience from this pilot operation also provide us with valuable insights on how we could leverage modeling and simulation technologies to derive safe bunkering approaches when using ammonia as a marine fuel.”
The success of these ship-to-ship ammonia transfers marks a significant advancement in the preparation for ammonia as a marine fuel. GCMD plans to leverage the knowledge and experience gained from this trial to assess the feasibility of ammonia bunkering operations in other forward-looking ports, paving the way for broader adoption of ammonia as a clean fuel in the maritime industry.
As the shipping industry continues its decarbonization journey, the Pilbara region is well-positioned to become a global leader in green ammonia bunkering, offering a viable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in international trade routes.
About GCMD
The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) leads global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping through research, development, and pilot projects aimed at promoting the adoption of sustainable marine fuels and technologies.