Singapore shipowner Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build an ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel gas tanker.
Each organisation will play a key role in bringing the vessel to water and accelerating decarbonisation efforts. The EPS ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier will be built at HHI, registered under the Singapore flag, classed by ABS, and will be the first vessel fitted with a MAN Energy Solutions G60 two-stroke dual-fuel ammonia engine.
The use of ammonia as an alternative marine fuel is thought to show great promise as it eliminates CO2 emissions, which make up the vast majority of overall greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is no engine commercially available in the market today that can use ammonia as a marine fuel. Ammonia-ready vessels currently on order will be able to switch from other alternative marine fuels but will still require a major engine retrofit once ammonia engines become commercially accessible.
The EPS announcement showcases that a willingness to invest in and develop various emission-lowering alternative marine fuels, like ammonia, is required to create pathways for wide-scale adoption. The MoU demonstrates that a commitment from various like-minded partner organisations is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts.
EPS CEO Cyril Ducau said: “We believe that our industry will need to rely on multiple solutions to steadily lower and eventually eliminate emissions. That’s why it is critical for us to constantly invest and develop various alternative marine fuels in order to offer the right solution to the right segment at the right time. The use of ammonia as a marine fuel is the next logical step for EPS and the industry. I am pleased that EPS, MPA, HHI, and ABS have come together on what will certainly be a pivotal moment in our energy transition.”
MPA CEO Quah Ley Hoon said: “MPA is excited to be part of the EPS-led joint project to develop EPS’ first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel gas tanker. EPS’ decision to register their new ammonia fuelled gas carriers under the Singapore flag signifies an important milestone in our journey towards green shipping. We look forward to working closely with EPS and partners to move decisively on maritime decarbonisation.”
The MoU states the dual fuel ammonia tanker could be either midsize gas carrier(s), large gas carrier(s), or very large gas carrier(s) and could be delivered as early as 2025.
