Fortescue, in a joint effort with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, government bodies, research institutions, and industry partners, has effectively executed the debut use of the utilisation of ammonia as a marine fuel on board the Fortescue Green Pioneer, a double-fueled vessel, inside the bounds of the Port of Singapore.
The vessel, prepared to run on a mix of ammonia and diesel in its ignition cycle, got fluid alkali from the laid-out facility at Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island for this essential fuel preliminary.
Notably, the vessel has gotten approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships alongside the sought-after “Gas Fueled Ammonia” documentation from order society DNV, in this manner empowering its use of ammonia-diesel mix as a maritime fuel.
Ammonia, traditionally utilised in agriculture and industry, arises as a promising transporter for hydrogen, critical for power generation and marine drive following the global energy transition.
This development comes while expanding orders for dual-fueled ammonia vessels around the world, highlighting the developing interest in ammonia as a useful marine fuel.
The journey towards sending the world’s first memorable ammonia-controlled vessel started in 2022 when Fortescue effectively changed a four-stroke motor over completely to oblige ammonia close by diesel at its land-based testing facility in Perth, Australia.
Conversion work unfolded on the vessel at Seatrium’s Benoi yard from July 2023 onwards. This enveloped the establishment of the gas fuel delivery system, safety infrastructure, and the successful variation of two out of four motors installed to work with the use of an ammonia-diesel mix for propulsion.
During its excursion from Singapore to the Middle East in December 2023, the Fortescue Green Pioneer was exhibited at huge environmental forums in Dubai, drawing the consideration of worldwide leaders and industry partners.
Prior to beginning operations in Singapore, thorough safety measures were attempted, including Hazard Identification Study workshops and specialised training sessions for crew members to guarantee readiness for likely crises.
The joint effort between Fortescue, MPA, and industry accomplices, supported by thorough innovation qualification processes, epitomises Singapore’s leadership in elective fuel bunkering and maritime innovation.