One of the leading projects working to develop the first
ammonia-fueled tanker announced an expansion of the project as it moves to the
next phase of development. The alliance of MISC Berhad, LR, Samsung Heavy
Industries, and MAN Energy Solutions was launched in January 2020 and in
September was awarded an Approval in Principle by LR.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Yara
International are joining the Joint Development Project, which will now be
known as The Castor Initiative. Yara, which has been working on alternative
power projects, will work alongside the partners to develop ammonia propulsion
ships. The MPA will provide insights as
a bunkering hub and flag state on safety issues and ammonia bunkering
procedures, and provide access to the research capabilities in Singapore.
According to the partnership, with the addition of Yara and
the MPA, they now have complete representation from all areas of the maritime
ecosystem. The experience and expertise of each partner will be central to the
success of the initiative.
“Supporting the enabling role of ammonia in the energy
transition, we recognize the need for value chain collaboration to make
zero-emission shipping by using ammonia as a fuel a reality,” said Magnus
Ankarstrand, EVP Clean Ammonia, Yara.
While ammonia is one of the fuels being considered by
maritime stakeholders, the partners also recognize that the shipping industry
will need to explore multiple decarbonization pathways and hope their
collaboration will spur others in the maritime industry to join forces on
addressing this global challenge.
MPA Chief Executive, Quah Ley Hoon, said, “Decarbonisation
remains a key priority for the maritime sector, not just in Singapore but
globally. As a transshipment and bunkering hub, we are committed to meet
IMO2030/2050 decarbonization goals. We are also looking forward to
collaborating with like-minded industry partners to support the development and
trials of alternative future marine fuels such as ammonia.”
After the awarding of the AiP, SHI said it was proceeding
with its work on the development of a relevant fuel gas supply system as well
as detailed ship designs. Its goal is to commercialize these developments by
2025.