Trafigura and CF Industries complete first ammonia and propane co-loaded vessel voyage from US to Europe
Mark Milam
16-Jan-2025
HOUSTON (ICIS)–Global commodities group Trafigura, in collaboration with US fertilizer producer CF Industries, announced the completion of the first co-loaded ammonia and propane shipment operation of its kind.
In early January, the Green Power medium gas carrier completed a single voyage from the US to Europe loaded with ammonia from CF Industries and with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in separate tanks.
The co-loaded vessel project was intended in part as a demonstration of capabilities needed for the efficient and economic transport of low-carbon ammonia to supply ports that may not require a full vessel of ammonia.
The companies said the ability to co-load low-carbon ammonia with LPG is one pathway to supporting the scale up in availability of low emission fuels.
It was noted that low-carbon ammonia continuing to be a leading alternative fuel candidate for applications such as coal co-firing as well as supporting the marine shipping industry transition from heavy fuel oil to alternatives with a lower-carbon intensity.
“We transport LPG and ammonia from the US to Europe on similar ships on a regular basis,” said Patricio Norris, Trafigura global head of ammonia and LPG.
“We can improve the economics for our customers and reduce emissions with fewer voyages by safely co-loading ammonia and LPG in the same vessel.”
The ammonia was loaded onto the Green Power at CF Industries Donaldsonville, Louisiana, complex and LPG was loaded into separate tanks of the vessel in Corpus Christi, Texas.
CF Industries said strict segregation requirements ensured that any crossover of liquid, condensate or vapor was prevented. After crossing the LPG was discharged via a ship-to-ship operation in the Mediterranean for use in domestic heating and the ammonia was discharged at Tees Port for CF Fertilisers UK.
“We appreciate the partnership we have with Trafigura as we take steps together to help prepare for demand growth of low-carbon ammonia and the expected transition of the marine shipping industry to low-carbon ammonia as a fuel,” said Bert Frost, CF Industries executive vice president.
“Ammonia is safely transported around the world by vessels daily, and this voyage reinforces the flexibility we have to serve emerging low-carbon ammonia demand as we innovate shipping methods with industry-leaders such as Trafigura.”
This shipment follows Trafigura’s first ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia in July 2024 for CF Industries.
The fertilizer producer is currently progressing a carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project at Donaldsonville which will enable it to produce substantial volumes of low-carbon ammonia.
The CCS project is expected to start-up during 2025.
Global News + ICIS Chemical Business (ICB)
See the full picture, with unlimited access to ICIS chemicals news across all markets and regions, plus ICB, the industry-leading magazine for the chemicals industry.
Contact us
Partnering with ICIS unlocks a vision of a future you can trust and achieve. We leverage our unrivalled network of industry experts to deliver a comprehensive market view based on independent and reliable data, insight and analytics.
Contact us to learn how we can support you as you transact today and plan for tomorrow.
READ MORE
