Ammonia as a marine fuel has been trialled in Singapore on a dedicated vessel, in another step towards the port's multi-fuel bunkering capability.
The trial, carried out in phases over a period of seven weeks, used ammonia in combination with diesel in the combustion process. The Maritime and Port of Authority of Singapore (MPA), along with government agencies, research partners and industry partners were involved in the trial process, said the MPA and Australian green energy, metals and technology firm Fortescue.
Completion of the trial saw the Fortescue Green Pioneer receive flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships, along with a notation by classification society DNV to use ammonia, in combination with diesel, as a marine fuel.
The trial had two of the four-stroke engines on the Fortescue Green Pioneer loaded with 5m³ (3t) of liquid ammonia supplied by Dutch storage firm Vopak from its 10,000m³ Banyan terminal on Jurong island. The Fortescue Green Pioneer was converted to run on ammonia, in combination with marine gasoil, following its first land-based testing in Australia in 2022.
Ammonia has been promoted as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel for the marine shipping industry that is striving to cut its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But the use of ammonia as a fuel has often focused on its safety risks because of its toxicity, while burning ammonia releases another GHG nitrous oxide.
The Singapore trial was done in phases to ensure safe port operations and the safety of the ship's crew, as well as engineers, the MPA and Fortescue said. The crew and engineers have been having safety training since October 2023.
"The Fortescue Green Pioneer is proof that safe, technical solutions for ammonia power engines exist," said Fortescue chairman Andrew Forrest.
Alternative marine fuel demand in Singapore is likely to grow because of higher consumption of biofuels, as well as the rise of bio-methanol for bunkering. Singapore is also exploring using ammonia as a fuel for power generation.
