Japan’s MOL wins approval in principle for ammonia bunkering vessel

LONDON (ICIS)–Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Itochu Corp on Wednesday said they had acquired Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for an ammonia bunkering vessel.

The project is part of a joint development study on ammonia fuel supply chain in Singapore, with the vessel designed in cooperation with Sembcorp Marine Integrated Yard.

Other partners in the initiative include Singapore’s TotalEnergies Marine Fuels and Pavilion Energy Singapore.

The vessel’s design incorporates “extensive safety measures in consideration of ammonia’s toxicity”, MOL said in a brief news release in which it reaffirmed its commitment to the “promising next-generation clean energy source”.

“Marine engine manufacturers around the world are working to develop an ammonia-fuelled engine,” the Tokyo-headquartered shipping giant added.

“Delivery of the first ammonia-fuelled vessel is expected in the late 2020s at the earliest. The ammonia bunkering vessel, which we jointly developed, will supply these next-generation-fuelled vessels.”

MOL is working to develop ammonia-fuelled vessels and create an ammonia transport business and supply chain by 2030 and achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.