MOL, GCMD and Yara Clean Ammonia Succeeds Ammonia STS (Ship-To-Ship) Trial in Australia Port
Contribution for the Ammonia Bunkering Infrastructure Installation
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a major shipping company based in Tokyo, Japan, has taken part in a groundbreaking ammonia fuel transfer test. This test was organized by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD). It marks a significant step in the shift towards cleaner fuel for the shipping industry.
Ammonia is seen as a promising fuel that could help reduce the carbon footprint of ships. However, the world lacks the infrastructure to refuel ships with ammonia. To overcome this, the trial replicated the process of refueling (called bunkering) through ship-to-ship (STS) transfers. This took place at the Port of Dampier in Australia, which is already a hub for ammonia production and exports. In the trial, 4,000 cubic meters of ammonia were safely transferred between two ships: MOL’s “Green Pioneer” and “Navigator Global” from Navigator Gas.
MOL worked closely with Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA), the supplier of the ammonia used in the trial. YCA and MOL signed an agreement in 2022 to work on projects that could reduce carbon emissions. This test was part of their ongoing efforts to promote ammonia as a clean fuel.
Before the trial, MOL and YCA worked with many experts, including safety consultants, government agencies, and the port authorities, to make sure everything would run smoothly and safely. They held several meetings to ensure that all safety measures were in place.
The STS transfers were part of a larger project led by GCMD, with the goal of developing ammonia as a marine fuel. The consortium studied risks, safety, and emergency response procedures. These steps are crucial as ammonia bunkering becomes a reality.
Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD, expressed her excitement about the trial, saying that it shows how safety recommendations from their 2023 study are now being put into action. She added that this pilot is an important move toward the future use of ammonia as marine fuel.
Murali Srinivasan, Senior Vice President at YCA, highlighted the importance of this project for the shipping industry. He explained that international shipping accounts for about 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. YCA believes that ammonia is the key to reducing these emissions to zero. He said, “This test is a big step forward in making ammonia bunkering possible and using ammonia as a clean fuel for ships.”
Jotaro Tamura, Senior Managing Executive Officer at MOL, also shared his pride in the company’s role in this important project. He pointed out that MOL operates around 880 ships and sees this test as a model for future collaboration between cargo owners, governments, port authorities, and ship operators. He thanked GCMD, YCA, and all other partners for making the trial a success.
MOL has made environmental strategies a key part of its management plan, called “BLUE ACTION 2035.” The company aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in its “Environmental Vision 2.2.” MOL plans to continue leading the way in ammonia transportation and looks forward to playing a big role in the clean energy future.
