June 2025 — As part of the Ammonia Energy APAC Conference 2025, classification society DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International, in collaboration with Oceania Marine Energy, for the design of a next-generation 10,000 cubic metre ammonia bunkering vessel. This vessel concept is intended to support the emerging ammonia marine fuel market, particularly in the resource-heavy Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The AiP follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DNV, SeaTech, and Oceania during Singapore Maritime Week 2025, reflecting growing alignment between classification, design, and clean fuel infrastructure developers to enable ammonia bunkering at scale.
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A Purpose-Built Ammonia Bunker Vessel for Pilbara
The newly approved concept is a 130-metre ammonia bunkering vessel specifically engineered to deliver low-carbon ammonia to dual-fuelled bulk carriers operating out of the Port of Dampier—a major export hub in the Pilbara and a frontrunner in clean fuel bunkering strategy. With a transfer capacity of up to 9,000 m³, the vessel can fuel two full round trips between Australia and North Asia, making it a practical solution for long-haul shipping routes.
Key to its design is a focus on safety, efficiency, and automation. The vessel features advanced containment systems and smart ship-to-ship transfer capabilities, enabling it to safely handle ammonia’s unique properties as both a marine fuel and chemical cargo.
Industry Collaboration and Milestone for Green Marine Fuels
Nick Bentley, Managing Director at Oceania Marine Energy, noted the vessel’s role in establishing a regional ammonia bunkering corridor;
“The Approval in Principle (AiP) for our 10,000 m³ clean ammonia bunker vessel marks a major milestone in developing the supply and bunkering operation foundations for the low-carbon shipping Pilbara–Asia green corridor. This initiative reinforces Oceania’s commitment to deliver 1 million tonnes of clean marine fuel by 2030 and positions Dampier as a future leader in ammonia bunkering.”
Prabjot Singh Chopra, Vice President of Technology at SeaTech Solutions, emphasized the importance of safety and technical integrity in the design;
“Our vessel design incorporates high levels of automation and smart control systems to ensure safe ammonia handling and operational reliability. With Dampier emerging as a green marine fuel hub, SeaTech is committed to supporting scalable, practical solutions for global decarbonisation.”
DNV: Scaling Safety and Confidence in Ammonia Bunkering
DNV, which has been actively supporting ammonia bunkering readiness globally, views this AiP as part of a broader commitment to accelerate the adoption of carbon-free fuels.
Antony M. Dsouza, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager for South East Asia, Pacific & India at DNV Maritime, stated;
“Scaling up production and bunkering infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges in the maritime energy transition. This AiP strengthens industry confidence in ammonia’s potential and is a step towards operationally ready bunkering capabilities.”
DNV has recently published a white paper, Safe Introduction of Alternative Fuels – Focus on Ammonia and Hydrogen as Ship Fuels, outlining the safety protocols, training, and systems necessary for deploying ammonia-powered vessels. These guidelines are essential for mitigating risks associated with ammonia’s toxicity and corrosiveness.
Strategic Significance of the Port of Dampier
Located in the Pilbara region—home to the world’s largest bulk export port—the Port of Dampier is emerging as a prime candidate for ammonia bunkering infrastructure. In September 2024, the port successfully hosted Australia’s first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer pilot, a joint initiative involving the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), Yara Clean Ammonia, and Pilbara Ports.
This operational experience, combined with growing demand for zero-carbon shipping fuels from iron ore and LNG exporters in the region, supports the port’s ambition to become a leading global hub for clean marine fuel.
About Oceania Marine Energy
Oceania Marine Energy is an Australian privately-owned company specializing in clean fuel bunkering services. Focused on developing ammonia bunkering infrastructure, Oceania plans to operate dedicated bunker vessels to supply low-emissions ammonia to vessels through ship-to-ship transfers at the Port of Dampier. Oceania aims to support the maritime industry’s global shift towards decarbonization by establishing scalable, safe, and efficient ammonia bunkering operations that meet future demand from ammonia-fueled vessels.
SeaTech Solutions International
SeaTech Solutions International (S) Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based Centre of Excellence in marine and offshore vessel design, renowned for delivering over 410 unique, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient vessel designs. With more than 670 vessels operating globally based on its engineering, SeaTech specializes in high-performance, tailor-made solutions for both shipowners and shipyards. Known for integrating advanced automation, green fuel compatibility, and digital ship technologies, SeaTech is a leader in designing future-ready vessels that support the maritime industry’s transition to low- and zero-carbon operations. Guided by its vision of “A Sea of Technology,” SeaTech continues to set benchmarks in sustainable vessel innovation
About DNV
DNV is a world-leading assurance and risk management company, enabling safe, smart, and sustainable business operations. Through its expertise in energy, shipping, and technology, DNV is driving the transition toward a decarbonized future.
As one of the world’s leading classification societies and technical assurance providers, operating in more than 100 countries. DNV is a pioneer in the development of safety frameworks for alternative marine fuels, including ammonia.
Source DNV