A significant breakthrough in sustainable maritime energy has been achieved as Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and its partners have received an Approval-in-Principle (AiP) certificate from ClassNK for an ammonia-fuelled ammonia bunkering vessel. Designed in collaboration with LMG Marin AS, a member of the Seatrium Group, this pioneering vessel represents a crucial step towards reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint and advancing the adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
The project was developed through the combined expertise of NYK, Seatrium’s subsidiary LMG Marin, and other partners in the consortium. LMG Marin played a pivotal role, leveraging its extensive technical capabilities to provide a cutting-edge design that meets stringent safety, technical, and environmental standards. This AiP certification validates the design’s compliance with international guidelines, marking a critical milestone in the maritime energy transition.
The vessel’s design will now be submitted to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for further evaluation. The development of this ammonia bunkering vessel is integral to creating a sustainable ammonia value chain, which is crucial for the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry. By advancing the feasibility of ammonia as a fuel, this initiative sets the consortium at the forefront of the transition to alternative marine fuels.
Key Features and Safety Innovations
The ammonia-fuelled bunkering vessel integrates several groundbreaking safety and operational features. The vessel will be powered by dual-fuel ammonia engines provided by IHI Power Systems, which are already in use on the world’s first commercial ammonia-fuelled tugboat, Sakigake. These engines represent a major leap in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from maritime operations, supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
In addition to the engine technology, the vessel incorporates a state-of-the-art bunkering boom from TB Global Technologies. This system features the High Speed Ammonia Purging Emergency Release System (ERS), designed for safe and efficient disconnection between vessels in emergency situations, enhancing operational reliability and safety.
LMG Marin’s Role in Engineering Innovation
LMG Marin, drawing on its vast experience in designing complex maritime systems, conducted a Hazard Identification Study (HAZID) to ensure that the vessel’s design optimally meets safety, performance, and operational reliability standards. This study was crucial in fulfilling the requirements for the AiP certificate and ensuring the safe use of ammonia as fuel in compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) interim guidelines, approved in December 2024.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Tsutomu Yokoyama, Executive Officer at NYK, emphasized the significance of the AiP certificate in the company’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of ammonia as a clean marine fuel. “This Approval-in-Principle represents a critical milestone in our efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. With the rich ammonia expertise of NYK and our partners, as well as the great technical capabilities of Seatrium, we are setting new benchmarks for safety and efficiency while paving the way for a cleaner maritime future,” Yokoyama said.
Seatrium’s contribution, led by Aziz Merchant, Executive Vice President for Engineering, Technology & New Product Development, reflects the company’s dedication to advancing sustainability. Merchant remarked, “We are honoured to contribute to this industry-leading initiative. The use of ammonia as a non-fossil-based marine fuel is a key distinction in this project. This collaboration reaffirms Seatrium’s commitment to advancing sustainability and supporting global decarbonisation goals.”
Singapore’s Role in Maritime Decarbonisation
The submission of this innovative vessel design to the MPA underscores Singapore’s leadership in sustainable maritime solutions. If brought to fruition, this ammonia-fuelled bunkering vessel will become the first of its kind and will play a significant role in Singapore’s efforts to decarbonise its maritime sector. The vessel’s design not only contributes to Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts but will also serve as a model for the global maritime industry, aiding the development of essential ammonia bunkering infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in global shipping.
This project demonstrates the power of collaboration between industry leaders in advancing green technologies, reinforcing the importance of joint efforts to meet global decarbonisation and sustainability targets in maritime transportation.
About Seatrium Limited
Seatrium Limited is a leading provider of innovative engineering solutions to the offshore, marine, and energy industries. With over 60 years of experience, the company is dedicated to advancing sustainability and offering cleaner offshore and marine solutions. Headquartered in Singapore, Seatrium operates in multiple countries, offering a diverse range of services, including oil & gas new builds, offshore renewables, and energy-efficient marine systems.
About Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK)
NYK is a global logistics company with a long history of providing maritime transportation services. Founded in 1885, the company has consistently led innovations in the logistics and maritime industries. As part of its commitment to sustainability, NYK has integrated ESG strategies into its business model and aims to promote a cleaner, greener future for the maritime sector. The company’s ongoing initiatives to adopt alternative fuels like ammonia reflect its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of global shipping.
Source Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK)