Sembcorp Marine Wins ABS Approval In Principle for Ammonia Bunkering Barge

Singapore-based Sembcorp Marine, together with partners Mitsui O.S.K Lines and ITOCHU Corporation have announced Approval in Principle from the American Bureau of Shipping for the conceptual design of an ammonia bunkering vessel.

This NH3 bunkering vessel, if built, will be the first of its kind bunker vessel.

The design comes from Sembcorp Marine’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Sembcorp Marine Integrated Yard (SMIY) and LMG Marin. With support from its partners and ABS, Sembcorp Marine has carried out a comprehensive Hazard Identification Study which was also instrumental in the attainment of AIP.

The vessel’s rigorous design took into consideration ammonia’s toxicity, as well as design input on the cargo containment system and bunkering system from Wartsila Gas Solutions and Trelleborg Westbury/KLAW LNG, respectively.

Green ammonia has emerged as a possible alternative fuel for the shipping industry to meet the International Maritime Organization’s long-term goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 50% from 2008 levels by 2050.

The project comes as Singapore is seeking a leadership role in the green transition. Sembcorp Marine is also in the process is building a 12,000 m3 LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) bunkering vessel for Mitsui O.S.K. Once completed, this vessel will be the largest LNG bunkering vessel built in Singapore.

“Sembcorp Marine is delighted to undertake another collaborative effort that has the potential to revolutionize shipping and transportation,” said Sembcorp Marine President and CEO, Mr Wong Weng Sun. “This collaboration clearly underpins the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization’s ongoing pursuit to define the safety and operation envelopes to enable ammonia pilot demonstrations in Singapore.”

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