China Completes First Ammonia Bunkering Operation: A Milestone for the Shipping Industry
China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers, a bunker trading company backed by Sinopec and COSCO Shipping, has successfully completed China’s first-ever ammonia bunkering operation.
The operation involved refueling the ammonia-powered tugboat Yuantuo 1, developed as part of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry’s project titled R&D and Demonstration Application of Ammonia-powered Dual-fuel Engine and Supply System. This marks a significant achievement in the country’s maritime fuel development.
A Milestone Operation
The truck-to-ship bunkering operation took place on December 24, 2024, at Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, the shipyard responsible for building the demonstration tugboat. COSCO Shipping reported that the successful bunkering operation tested the integrity and efficiency of its bunkering equipment system and provided valuable insights for the broader deployment of ammonia fuel in large vessels.
Specifications of Yuantuo 1
The Yuantuo 1 is China’s first ammonia/diesel dual-fuel-powered azimuth-stern drive (ASD) tugboat, with a power output of 5500HP. The 39-meter-long vessel is equipped with two C-type liquid ammonia storage tanks, a dual-fuel engine powered by ammonia and diesel (developed by Dalian CRRC Diesel Engine Co.), and an ammonia fuel supply system designed by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Technology (Weihai) Co.
Both the ammonia-fueled vessel and its ammonia supply system have received approvals in principle (AiPs) from leading classification societies, including the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the China Classification Society (CCS).
Ammonia Fuel in the Shipping Industry
The shipping industry is increasingly turning to ammonia as a potential marine fuel, and last year saw several major milestones in ammonia bunkering technology.
In March 2024, Australia’s green energy firm Fortescue carried out the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation using the Fortescue Green Pioneer in the Port of Singapore.
During the summer of 2024, Japanese companies JERA and NYK Line completed the world’s first truck-to-ship ammonia bunkering. This involved fueling a tugboat that had been converted from LNG to an ammonia-powered engine. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) also issued the first-ever guidance for bunkering, further advancing the industry.
Additionally, approval was granted for the construction of the world’s first ammonia bunkering facility at Fjord Base in Florø, Norway. This project, spearheaded by Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane, and Fjord Base, is expected to be a key development in the global ammonia bunkering infrastructure.
