MPA joins ammonia-fueled tanker project

The expanded coalition is now named The Castor Initiative.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), together with fertilizer company Yara International ASA, has partaken in the next phase of the joint development project (JDP), which aims to develop the first ammonia-fueled tanker.

The JDP, which was launched in January 2020, comprises partners MISC Berhad (MISC), Lloyd’s Register (LR), Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), and MAN Energy Solutions (MAN). The expanded coalition is now named The Castor Initiative.

MPA will provide experience as a bunkering hub and flag state to gather insights on safety issues and ammonia-bunkering procedures, and to gain access to research capabilities in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Yara will work alongside MISC, LR, SHI, and MAN to develop ammonia propulsion ships to support the maritime industry’s drive to decarbonisation.

“Supporting the enabling role of ammonia in the energy transition, we recognize the need for value chain collaboration to make zero emission shipping by using ammonia as a fuel a reality,” Yara's executive vice president Magnus Ankarstrand said.

Their addition to the project signifies that “the alliance now has a complete representation from all areas of the maritime ecosystem. The experience and expertise of each partner will be central to the success of the initiative, from conception to project realisation,” he added.

Whilst ammonia is one of the fuels being considered by maritime stakeholders, the partners also recognise that the shipping industry will need to explore multiple decarbonisation pathways and hope their collaboration will spur others in the maritime industry to join forces on addressing the global challenge.

According to MPA chief executive Quah Ley Hoon, decarbonisation remains a key priority for the maritime sector, not just in Singapore, but globally.

“As a transshipment and bunkering hub, we are committed to meet IMO2030/2050 decarbonisation goals. We are also looking forward to collaborating with like-minded industry partners to support the development and trials of alternative future marine fuels such as ammonia,” Quah said.