Fratelli Cusulich approves construction of first ammonia bunker tanker

Global bunker supplier Fratelli Cosulich has put in an order for an ammonia bunker tanker with Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering.

PHOTO: Model of an ammonia tanker that is also powered by ammonia. SeaTech Solutions

Nantong CIMS is also building two LNG bunker vessels for Fratelli Cosulich. Construction of the ammonia bunker vessel will commence after the first of these two LNG bunker tankers are delivered.

In November last year, Fratelli Cosulich said it had teamed up with marine energy consultancy RINA and vessel designer SeaTech Solutions to design the ammonia bunker tanker.

Under the agreement, SeaTech would develop the ship concept, RINA would focus on compliance, and Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers Singapore would support and validate the ship design for commercial use.

Fratelli Cosulich thinks ammonia has great potential to curb emissions from shipping and is also working with the Singapore-based Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD) on an ammonia bunker safety study.

Additionally, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has initiated a discussion on safety guidelines for ammonia at its recently held sub-committee meeting.

By Nithin Chandran

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online