Fortescue, in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and a coalition of government bodies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders, has successfully carried out a pioneering trial of using ammonia, blended with diesel, as a marine fuel. This trial, a global first conducted aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel Fortescue Green Pioneer in the Port of Singapore, marks a significant stride towards sustainable maritime fuel solutions.
The trial involved fueling the Fortescue Green Pioneer with liquid ammonia sourced from the Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island. This achievement is underpinned by the vessel’s recent approvals: a flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and a “Gas Fueled Ammonia” notation from the classification society DNV, enabling the use of an ammonia-diesel blend as marine fuel.
Ammonia, primarily used in agriculture and industrial processes, is gaining traction as a carrier for hydrogen, offering a promising avenue for transporting energy to power generation sectors and as a cleaner marine fuel. The Fortescue Green Pioneer’s journey towards ammonia power began in 2022 with the successful modification of a four-stroke engine to utilize an ammonia-diesel mix at Fortescue’s testing facility in Perth, Western Australia.
Subsequent conversion efforts at Seatrium’s Benoi yard included equipping the vessel with necessary gas fuel delivery and safety systems, allowing two of its four engines to run on the ammonia-diesel mixture. This initiative supports the vessel’s propulsion and represents a leap towards commercializing ammonia-fueled marine engines.
In addition to technological innovations, extensive safety, and training preparations were undertaken in Singapore. These efforts included Hazard Identification and Operability Study workshops, gas-specific emergency response training, and the development of an ammonia plume model to ensure safe operations. An Emergency Operations Centre was also established to oversee the fuel trial operations, enhanced by a drone-enabled live feed.
The successful completion of this fuel trial not only showcases Fortescue and Singapore’s commitment to decarbonizing maritime operations but also positions the Port of Hirtshals as a pioneering hub for green hydrogen integration. This initiative underscores the collaborative spirit driving the transition towards a more sustainable and innovative maritime industry, heralding a new era of green shipping solutions.
