Singapore’s ammonia bunkering demand to pick up by mid-2030s - DNV

Singapore is likely to source ammonia from Australia, which plans to ramp up production with large units coming online.

PHOTO: Cargo terminal at the Port of Singapore. Getty Images

Representatives from classification society DNV and Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) said they expect demand for ammonia bunkering in Singapore to surge by 2035.

Ammonia bunker demand will get a boost from more ammonia-powered vessels in operation and a more built out supply chain by then, they told a webinar organised by the Ammonia Energy Association today.

DNV principal consultant Dr. Imran Ibrahim insists that even though new types of ammonia ship engines are being developed by major engine manufacturers and could be ready in three years, these technologies are still premature and require several rounds of testing.

Both DNV and GCMD are conducting feasibility studies to determine ammonia bunkering safety standards for Singapore.

GCMD’s director Lau Wei Jie argues that it is critical to evaluate safety standards for the whole ammonia bunkering process rather than just focusing on safe storage of ammonia.

Transfer of pressurised ammonia from bunker barges to vessels requires multiple safety evaluations, DNV's Dr. Ibrahim says.

Ammonia bunkering in Singapore is a bit complex considering the port’s proximity to residential and industrial areas, Wei Jie says. GCMD's will run a series of pilot tests with proxy assets over the next three years to determine technical standards and procedures for ammonia bunkering, he adds.

The duo claims that findings from these studies can be adopted in other ports by using Singapore as a technical reference.

Earlier this month, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore joined a consortium that plans to develop a supply chain and bunkering infrastructure for ammonia in Singapore.

In an initial analysis, the consortium found that ammonia can be sourced from large production facilities under development in Australia.

Last year, global commodity trader Trafigura unveiled plans to develop an ammonia and hydrogen plant near Port Pirie in South Australia and aims to start exporting green ammonia by 2025.

DNV and GCMD are now scoping out other stakeholders in the maritime industry to develop ammonia safety standards.