First Ever Ammonia Bunker Being Built

Norway-based firms in joint venture have created a new ammonia supply chain gap by developing ammonia ship bunkering infrastructure technologies, products, and services. 

The new company, Azane Fuel Solutions, was founded by ECONNECT Energy, a technology company, and Amon Maritime, the creator of the zero-emission vessel idea. 

Ammonia fuel bunkering terminals will be developed to remove the existing constraints that inhibit the implementation of ammonia fuel.

The new systems will be capable of accepting fuel in chilled or pressurized containers, as well as being optimized for ammonia-fuelled ships.

Two possible alternatives for the ammonia bunkering infrastructure are under consideration — one is based on the shore, while the other is on a floating platform.

This first is intended for industrial port and supply basins, where ships are able to transfer directly to bunkering barges along the quay, or to dock alongside. Additionally, larger models of the system can also serve as holding docks for vessels that service the fleet.

Option 2 is versatile and transportable, and thus it’s deemed suitable for the early years of the shift to ammonia fuel, when vessels may have to carry their own bunkering station with them on the majority of their itineraries. An in-place floating bunker terminal retains its flexibility, which is useful as well as providing the capability to bunker ships at anchor.