Consortium gets approval for first U.S. ammonia bunkering vessel design

In Texas, a consortium of companies, including Sumitomo Corporation, Fleet Management Limited, TOTE Services, and the American Bureau of Shipping, announced the approval in principle for the design of the United States’ first ammonia bunkering vessel. The announcement was made during the Gastech 2024 conference in Houston, Texas.

The vessel, known as the Ammonia Bunkering Articulated Tug-Barge, was developed by VARD Marine US and is designed to supply ammonia as a clean marine fuel to ships along the U.S. East Coast, particularly at major ports like Jacksonville, Brunswick, and Savannah. Ammonia is gaining attention as a promising alternative to traditional marine fuels, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with International Maritime Organization goals for 2030 and 2050.

The consortium, formed in March 2023, has been studying the feasibility of ammonia bunkering and aims to start commercial operations by 2030. The project marks a significant milestone in decarbonizing the shipping industry, as ammonia fuel offers the potential to cut emissions and help meet the IMO’s stringent climate targets.

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