ABS on the challenges of bunkering ammonia

Question: What are the challenges in designing an Ammonia bunkering station compared to LNG?

Answer:  Designing an ammonia bunkering station presents some challenges compared to LNG, primarily due to ammonia’s high toxicity and corrosive nature. In addition, the volume of fuel that needs to be transferred will be approximately twice that of LNG to deliver the same amount of energy. This could either prolong the length of the bunkering operation or increase the size of equipment required. However, many of the safety protocols established for LNG and the experience gathered with gas can be re-used with ammonia.

The key challenge is to ensure that leaks are avoided, and in the case that they do happen, that safety measures are in place to deal with the impact of ammonia’s high toxicity. This requires stringent safety protocols and crew training to prevent leaks and ensure safe handling procedures are followed.

Material compatibility is also an issue, but since ammonia has been transported as cargo for sixty to seventy years, there is a great deal of experience and information about the materials suitable for ammonia transport available in guidelines and codes developed for its use as cargo.

Ammonia is stored as a liquid at minus 33 degrees C according to the latest IMO interim guidelines. This means that a system to deal with the Boil-Off Gas (BoG) has to be integrated into the design, in an arrangement very similar to what is already specified for LNG. Managing the ammonia BoG properly is critical to prevent accidental releases.

In a worst-case scenario, it is essential that a robust emergency response plan is put in place; to ensure that leaks are dealt with and that personnel can escape from exposed areas in a safe way.

Q: What is the specialist safety training required for crew?

A:  The crew assigned to handle ammonia at bunkering stations need specialized training. In particular they need dedicated training on its physical and chemical properties, including its toxicity and the necessary handling precautions.

Operational procedures are another element that require training in advance and in particular, crew will need to understand in detail how the bunker systems function, how to monitor the condition of the bunkering process, including fault detections and emergency shutdown. They also need comprehensive training on emergency response plans, including spill containment, evacuation procedures and first aid procedures for ammonia exposure.

It is also mandatory that the personnel involved in bunkering operations and working as emergency responders must wear appropriate personal protective equipment when ammonia is released.

Finally, the crew needs to be familiar with all relevant regulations and safety standards for handling ammonia.

Q: What are the regulatory considerations for port authorities?

A:  Port authorities whose terminals deal with ammonia as fuel on a daily basis, must consider several factors regarding existing regulations for ammonia bunkering. First, they must analyse and understand if there are any gaps in the existing regulations and ensure that those gaps are properly addressed to ensure personal safety for those who are working and living in the affected area of the port – and to ensure satisfactory environmental protection.

Dealing with the types of risk identified in the gap analysis will require the port authority to conduct thorough risk assessments. Gas dispersion analyses for the port area will have to be prepared to ensure safe bunkering operations under a variety of different weather conditions.

Port authorities must also ensure that bunkering operations comply with local, national and international regulations, including obtaining and maintaining necessary permits.

Q: What is the importance of technology in reducing human error?

A:  Technology plays a crucial role in reducing human error in ammonia bunkering. We see the latest technology being implemented in bunkering facility design, with automated systems for both pre-testing, monitoring and controlling operations being introduced to reduce and eliminate the risk of human error.

In addition, the use of sensors to detect leaks and automated alarms when they occur must be in place to alert personnel to potential hazards. Remote monitoring systems can further provide real-time data and alerts, allowing for quick response to any issues.

Q: What are the benefits and challenges to inter-agency collaboration?

A:  Inter-agency collaboration around ammonia bunkering offers several benefits but also creates challenges. Many of the benefits, such as standardization, regulatory alignment and experience sharing are immediately clear.

Collaboration can result in standardized procedures and safety protocols across different ports and agencies, which we have previously seen developed from LNG bunkering practices, with clear evidence that they can increase the safety level tremendously.

Part of this process is sharing expertise and experience and it is clear that we need to co-operate on this topic in the maritime industry to accelerate to a point where we are comfortable with the bunkering procedure for ammonia.

This openness to information sharing can enhance the overall safety and efficiency of bunkering operations. We need also co-operation on the regulatory standards to ensure that consistency exists across the industry.

The challenges of inter-agency co-operation are related to the need for co-ordination and alignment initiatives between multiple bodies and agencies; work that is often very time-consuming and can become complex.

Q: How confident are you in the safety of ammonia bunkering stations

A:  At ABS, we are confident that the industry will soon have the certification, training and technology in place for safe ammonia bunkering operations, despite the concerns over its inherent toxicity.

ABS is already participating in developing safe and comprehensive safety protocols and is creating advisories for ammonia bunkering together with shipping industry stakeholders.

In addition, we see that the first ammonia fueled ships – including ammonia bunker tankers – are under construction and will be in operation in the near future. These ships are being designed according to the latest safety standards and available guidelines and many of the projects have been created with input, experience and support from ammonia experts in the maritime industry.

We see across the sector that there is growing interest in participating in these industry projects and that collaboration taking place amongst organisations that might normally be competitors who see a shared benefit in advancing the energy transition.

The shipping industry has realized the importance of moving towards the use of green fuel and contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions globally.

Within the industry there is a consensus that green ammonia produced from fully renewable sources will become the most cost-effective carbon-neutral fuel over the long run towards the IMO decarbonization target of 2050.

As a result, ABS sees a bright future for the use of green ammonia as fuel for the maritime industry.