Singapore rolls out technical guidance for ammonia bunkering

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has introduced technical guidelines to support ammonia bunkering operations at the port.

IMAGE: Cargo terminal at Port of Singapore. Getty Images

The guidelines provide a technical reference framework for bunker suppliers, bunker vessel operators and bunker buyers. They cover custody transfer, bunkering procedures, safety measures and crew training.

MPA will work with Australia's Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) to validate the framework, drawing on the latter’s experience with ship-to-ship ammonia transfer at the Port of Dampier from last year.

The two port authorities will also exchange operational experience and information from bunkering trials conducted at their respective ports.

“This collaboration will help build practical experience and strengthen the standards and operational requirements needed to support the safe and scalable deployment of ammonia bunkering globally,” MPA said.

Japanese firm Itochu plans to carry out an ammonia bunkering trial at the Port of Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2027.

It will use a dedicated ammonia bunker vessel for the trial. The vessel is currently under construction at Sasaki Shipbuilding in Japan and is scheduled for delivery in September 2027.

The trial will involve transferring ammonia from the bunker vessel to dual-fuel Capesize bulk carriers jointly owned by CMB.TECH and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and chartered by MOL, subject to further approvals.

By Konica Bhatt

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