Successful sea trials for ammonia OSV

The ten-day trial of Fortescue’s Green Pioneer used 4.4 tonnes of liquid ammonia in combination with diesel and hydrogenated vegetable oil.

This latest milestone follows the successful completion of the world’s first dual-fuelled ammonia trial – again by Green Pioneer in Singapore – earlier this year in March, during which the vessel received flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships along with ‘Gas Fuelled Ammonia’ notation from DNV.

These earlier trials were run over seven weeks in February and March using three tonnes of liquid ammonia. With Green Pioneer at anchor, the ammonia storage system, piping, fuel delivery system and engines were tested.

The ongoing sea trials then turned to propulsion and manoeuvrability during which a further 4.4 tonnes of liquid ammonia were loaded on 23 April at Vopak Banyan Terminal, Jurong Island.

The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) created a designated area within the harbour plus a temporary emergency operations centre for representatives of MPA, Fortescue, Vopak, research institutes, and government agencies to monitor the fuel loading and sea trials.

Ammonia plume modelling and drone surveillance was also used to support safety and incident planning and response, along with tests to validate the management of emissions and assessment of varying proportions of HVO in combination with the ammonia.

MPA is also working with Fortescue to ensure the resilience of vessels with alternative fuels against cyber threats.