- Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and classification societies, Lloyd’s Register and ABS, committing six of its Ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to be registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) upon delivery.
- The commitment of these newbuilds comes six months after EPS announced a collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and yards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and classification societies, ABS and Lloyd’s Register, committing six of its Ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to be registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) upon delivery, reports Lloyd’s Register.
The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between EPS and its partners support the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) initiatives to decarbonise and digitalise the shipping industry. Newcastlemaxes and two Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) fitted with Ammonia dual-fuel engines are slated for delivery from 2026 onwards.
LR, EPS and MPA collaborate on ammonia newbuilds
The commitment of these newbuilds comes six months after EPS announced collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and yards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), supported by classification societies ABS and Lloyd’s Register, on the development of ammonia burning engine that will be fitted to the new fleet of EPS-managed vessels.
The MoUs include joint efforts on ammonia bunkering, seafarer training on ammonia management and safety, and expertise sharing for ammonia-based solutions and bunkering standards. The MoUs also consider zero and near-zero fuel pilot trials.
Furthermore, EPS will work with MPA to develop crew training on zero and near-zero emission fuels and technologies at the new Maritime Energy Training Facility, planned for completion by 2026.
“We look forward to furthering our partnership with MPA and the broader maritime community, to build on necessary training and capacity-building in order to strengthen the safety and environmental aspects, so that our collective efforts accelerate decarbonisation of the global shipping industry safely,” said Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer at EPS, emphasizing that as optimism grows on the transportation of ammonia following the continued expansion of ammonia production capabilities worldwide, crew safety is of paramount importance.
“The delivery of EPS’ ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds from 2026 gives strong confidence in the use of ammonia as a marine fuel. It will help accelerate efforts to develop the value chain and infrastructure required and the training of the workforce to be ready to safely handle ammonia as a fuel,” commente Teo Eng Dih, MPA Chief Executive.
According to John McDonald, ABS President and COO, this bold initiative represents a crucial step towards the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals, showcasing the collective commitment to innovation and sustainability stewardship.
“This MoU marks a concrete stride in advancing ammonia propulsion and will pave the way for addressing the safety and operational challenges that this novel technology presents,” noted Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register.
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Source: Lloyd’s Register
