Malaysia’s shipowner MISC has taken a pioneering step by ordering the world’s first two ammonia dual-fuel Aframaxes, facilitated through its petroleum arm, AET. These innovative vessels were commissioned from the Chinese shipbuilder Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
In addition to their construction, AET has secured time charter party contracts (TCP) with PETCO Trading Labuan Company (PTLCL), the midstream services arm of Petronas. These agreements enable PTLCL to distribute its products globally while promoting industry decarbonization by adopting ammonia, a cleaner alternative fuel.
The signing of these contracts marks a crucial advancement in the partners’ initiative to establish ammonia as a feasible maritime fuel. Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, President and Group CEO of MISC, emphasized the significance of this milestone, particularly the collaboration with PTLCL, a PETRONAS Group member. He expressed gratitude to DSIC for their role in this transformative project.
Zahid Osman, President & CEO of AET, highlighted the importance of the agreements, noting that they demonstrate a transition from ambition to action. He pointed out that these partnerships align with a collective vision to enact meaningful change towards a net-zero future, underscoring that the new vessels will significantly reduce emissions while increasing global energy delivery.
In a previous strategic move, MISC collaborated with Swiss engine specialist WinGD and classification society DNV to develop next-generation ammonia engines for ammonia dual-fuel ships. This initiative, undertaken through MISC’s entities AET and Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), represents a historical milestone in developing deep-sea vessels powered by ammonia.
Looking ahead, the MISC Group aims to extend its collaboration with other industry stakeholders to foster the development of the necessary ecosystem to support ammonia as a bunker fuel. Together with Akademi Laut Malaysia and various industry partners, MISC will also continue to focus on training its seafarers to expertly manage this new generation of ultra-low emissions tankers.
