World’s First Ammonia Ready Vessel Delivered to ABS Class

The 274-meter-long vessel was built by New Times Shipbuilding (NTS). Currently conventionally fuelled, the vessel complies with the ABS Ammonia Ready Level 1 requirements, indicating it is designed to be converted to run on ammonia in the future. The vessel also meets the ABS LNG Fuel Ready Level 1 requirements.

Ammonia Fuel Ready Level 1 indicates the vessel conforms to the requirements outlined in the ABS Guide for Gas and Other Low-Flashpoint Fuel Ready Vessels. This is part of a suite of industry guidance on alternative fuels developed by ABS, including support for the development of ammonia as a marine fuel. In October 2020, ABS published its Sustainability Whitepaper: Ammonia as Marine Fuel evaluating the challenges in design and operation of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

“This vessel represents a milestone in the development of the maritime industry and a step forward in the readiness to utilize alternative marine fuels. ABS’ alternative fuel ready suite of guidance and qualification programs is designed to give owners the flexibility they need and help prepare for a future in which alternative fuels such as ammonia take a bigger role,” said Filippos Nikolatsopoulos, ABS Manager, Greece Business Development.

In January 2022, ABS granted Approval in Principle for the conceptual design of an ammonia bunkering vessel from Sembcorp Marine, and in December 2021, ABS granted Approval in Principle for an ammonia-fuelled Newcastlemax design from Anglo-Eastern Technical Services.

Avin International manages a fleet of over 35 oil and chemical tankers of various sizes.