The prospect of ammonia bunkering is transitioning from conceptual discussions to tangible plans, with industry stakeholders establishing more definitive schedules for its implementation.
However, this progression is shadowed by recent reports of leaks, which serve as a stark reminder of the inherent safety challenges associated with handling ammonia and the necessity for robust safety protocols as these projects move towards operational status.
In a significant development, Chinese shipping company Shenghang Shipping has brought its retrofitted ammonia carrier to operational readiness as a dedicated bunker vessel. This vessel, which has a capacity of 5,500 cubic metres, has secured certification for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering operations from the China Classification Society, marking a key step in its deployment.
Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide reported on these developments, noting the shift from aspirational pledges to concrete timelines in the alternative fuels sector.