Svanehøj secures ammonia fuel pump contract for new bulk carrier series

The Danish company will deliver 32 pumps to equip eight 210,000 DWT vessels, solidifying its position as a key player in the burgeoning ammonia marine fuel market.

As a subcontractor to SunRui Marine Environment Engineering, Svanehøj will provide four deepwell NH3 fuel pumps for each vessel. The first pumps are scheduled for delivery in Q4 2024.

Svanehøj’s experience in ammonia applications, with over 2,000 ammonia-ready marine pumps in operation or on order, was a decisive factor in securing the contract. The company’s deepwell pump design, specifically tailored for ammonia, offers key advantages in terms of safety and maintenance.

“This project is a major milestone in our journey towards a zero-carbon future,” said Johnny Houmann, chief sales officer at Svanehøj. “We are proud to contribute our expertise to this pioneering project and to be at the forefront of ammonia fuel adoption in the shipping industry.”

Svanehøj’s deepwell pump design features several safety enhancements, including the placement of all electrical components outside the tank, preventing heat buildup and reducing the risk of boil-off gas. Additionally, the pumps are equipped with a hermetically sealed MagDrive coupling, ensuring complete separation of the tank system from the surroundings.

The new bulk carriers, to be built by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding (QBS) in China, represent a significant step forward in the commercialisation of ammonia as a marine fuel. This project highlights the growing industry momentum towards decarbonisation and the adoption of alternative fuels to meet stringent environmental regulations.