China Conducts Its First Ammonia Bunkering Operation with Demonstration Tug
China has made a significant advancement in maritime fuel technology by completing its first domestic ammonia bunkering operation. This operation is not only a milestone for China but also one of the few ammonia bunkering activities conducted globally. The event took place on December 24, 2023, in Dalian, at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industries shipyard. This operation is part of a broader demonstration project initiated in 2022, aimed at developing an ammonia-fueled tugboat. The successful completion of this bunkering operation marks a crucial step toward the adoption of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel.
Details of the Bunkering Operation
The bunkering operation in Dalian was executed using a truck-to-ship method. This approach involved transferring ammonia fuel from a truck directly to the vessel. The entire process lasted approximately two hours, although the exact quantity of ammonia fuel loaded was not disclosed. The operation was carried out by the Sinopec COSCO Shipping Marine Fuel Supply Company. Prior to the bunkering, the company conducted extensive research and planning. This included developing a safety assurance plan and an emergency response plan to ensure the operation’s safety and efficiency.
The tugboat involved in this operation, named Yuan Tuo Yi, is the result of a comprehensive research program focused on designing and developing both the engine and the fuel supply system. The project received Approval in Principle from the China Classification Society (CCS) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its design. CCS also conducted product test certification, ensuring that the tugboat meets safety and performance standards. Construction of the tug began in January 2024, and it features a CRRC Dachai 12V240HDFA ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engine along with a specialized fuel supply system developed by Weihai Heavy Industry Technology.
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Future of Ammonia as Marine Fuel
The successful operation of the Yuan Tuo Yi tugboat is part of a larger trend in the maritime industry toward adopting ammonia as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels. In 2023, Chinese officials reported successful operations of a medium-speed ammonia dual-fuel engine, achieving an energy substitution rate of over 90 percent and a thermal efficiency exceeding 40 percent. These advancements indicate a promising future for ammonia as a viable marine fuel option. Previous tests with a single-cylinder engine demonstrated that ammonia could account for 85 percent of the energy, resulting in an impressive 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions.
Globally, the interest in ammonia as a marine fuel is growing. Earlier this year, Singapore witnessed the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation for a vessel, part of a test program involving an offshore vessel converted by Fortescue. Additionally, NYK successfully fueled its tug with ammonia after converting from LNG. U.S.-based Amogy has also showcased its ammonia-fueled tug, utilizing innovative technology that incorporates cracking. As construction begins on ammonia-ready and ammonia dual-fuel large commercial ships, the maritime industry is poised for a significant shift. Infrastructure development is also underway to support the introduction of ammonia as a marine fuel in the coming years, paving the way for a more sustainable future in shipping.
