The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Fleet Management Limited, Sumitomo Corporation, and TOTE Services have announced the U.S.’s first Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of an ammonia bunkering articulated tug-barge (AB-ATB). The prestigious award was presented at Gastech 2024, the world’s largest energy conference, marking a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s journey towards decarbonization.
This groundbreaking achievement was made possible through collaboration with the RADIUS consortium, which includes ABS, A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S, Fleet Management Limited, Georgia Ports Authority, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), Sumitomo Corporation, and TOTE Services. The design and engineering of the AB-ATB were completed by VARD Marine US, Inc. (VARD), showcasing a pivotal advancement in the development of ammonia-fueled vessels.
Project in Brief
The RADIUS consortium, established in March 2023, has been actively exploring the feasibility of ship-to-ship bunkering of reduced emission ammonia along the U.S. East Coast. The project encompasses the development of a cost-effective supply chain for procuring, transporting, and storing reduced emission ammonia fuel, as well as designing the AB-ATB and associated supply chain infrastructure.
The AB-ATB is designed to support vehicle carriers, including the Aurora Class Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), recently delivered to Höegh Autoliners, and a 15,000 TEU ammonia-fueled container vessel concept developed by MMMCZCS. The vessel will facilitate bunkering operations at the ports of Jacksonville, Florida, Brunswick, Georgia, and Savannah, Georgia.
The approval of this design is expected to inspire the maritime industry to further develop and order ammonia-fueled vessels, aiming for commercial operations by 2030. This initiative represents a crucial step towards accelerating the adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel, aligning with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in shipping.
Ammonia as Marine Fuel
Ammonia is increasingly recognized as a promising alternative marine fuel capable of significantly reducing direct GHG emissions in the shipping industry. This aligns with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s revised strategy to cut GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
In the U.S., anticipated to become a leading producer of clean ammonia, this project aims to contribute substantially to meeting the IMO’s goals. Bloomberg NEF forecasts that the U.S. will account for 41% of the global supply of reduced emission ammonia by 2030.
Future Steps and Guidance
The successful use of ammonia as marine fuel was first demonstrated at the Port of Singapore in 2024, with comprehensive preparations including safety workshops, training, drills, and plume modeling. The RADIUS Consortium will utilize the ‘industry-first’ ammonia bunkering guidance released by ABS in July 2024 to inform detailed risk assessments and collaborate with various stakeholders and U.S. government agencies as they progress towards ammonia bunkering operations along the U.S. East Coast.
Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President of Global Sustainability, expressed enthusiasm about the milestone: “This is an exciting milestone for our feasibility study and project teammates. Having an approved basic design for the AB-ATB is another step toward maturity for ammonia as a marine fuel. ABS is committed to supporting the maritime industry as it pursues low-carbon, more sustainable operations. We have extensive insight into the development and application of ammonia as a marine fuel, and we are proud to share our learnings with this team.”
Sumitomo and Partners Roles
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS): Will conduct operational risk assessments for ammonia ship-to-ship bunkering and lead coordination with U.S. authorities to establish port regulations and operational guidelines.
A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S: Will contribute insights specific to container vessels and develop safe and reliable ammonia bunkering procedures.
Fleet Management Limited: Will support the development of safe and reliable ammonia bunkering procedures from a ship manager’s perspective and provide technical support in the design of ammonia-fueled vessels and AB-ATB.
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA): Will assist in coordinating with U.S. authorities to foster port regulations and operational guidelines, drawing on its experience with LNG bunkering at the Port of Savannah.
Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS): Will conduct Well-to-Wake Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of ammonia and support the creation of safety standards for ammonia as marine fuel.
Sumitomo Corporation: Will manage the end-to-end supply chain of green/blue ammonia, including sourcing, transportation, storage, and bunkering.
TOTE Services: Will focus on the development of the AB-ATB and safe ammonia bunkering procedures, leveraging experience in LNG bunkering operations in the U.S.
This approval marks a significant advancement in the quest for greener maritime fuel solutions, with the collaborative efforts of these leading organizations setting a new standard for the industry.
Source Sumitomo Corporation