The First-Ever Ship-to-Ship Transfer of Ammonia Marks a Milestone in Maritime Decarbonization
The successful completion of the first-ever ship-to-ship transfer (STS) of ammonia at anchorage in Western Australia has set a significant milestone in the journey towards utilizing ammonia as a viable marine fuel. This landmark achievement was part of the maritime decarbonization initiative led by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD).
Under the supervision of the Pilbara Port Authority (PPA), the pilot STS transfer took place within the anchorage area of Port Dampier, showcasing the safety and effectiveness of ammonia transfer offshore under real-world bunkering conditions.
Yara Clean Ammonia, a key partner in the initiative, played a crucial role in facilitating the supply of ammonia for the transfer. The company also chartered the Green Pioneer of MOL, one of the gas carriers involved in the operation, and provided technical expertise for safety studies, risk assessments, and emergency response planning.
This successful trial builds on the insights gained from GCMD’s previous safety study in Singapore and affirms that ammonia STS transfers at anchorage can be conducted safely and are scalable with the right protocols in place.
The data and best practices generated from this pilot will be instrumental in shaping future ammonia bunkering operations on a global scale, according to Yara Clean Ammonia.
Speaking on the achievement, Murali Srinivasan, SVP Commercial at Yara Clean Ammonia, emphasized, “This successful trial is a pivotal step towards establishing trust in ammonia as a zero-to-near-zero emission (ZNZ) maritime fuel. It demonstrates that with meticulous planning and collaboration, ammonia bunkering is not only viable but practical for the industry.”