- DNV awards Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions and Oceania Marine Energy for a 10,000 cbm ammonia bunkering vessel design.
- The vessel will support dual-fuel iron ore carriers at the Port of Dampier, advancing clean fuel capabilities in the Pilbara–Asia green corridor.
- The AiP strengthens ammonia’s role in the maritime energy transition and showcases the region’s leadership in low-carbon marine fuel infrastructure.
At the 2025 Ammonia Energy APAC Conference, classification society DNV granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International and Oceania Marine Energy for their jointly developed 10,000 cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed during Singapore Maritime Week, reinforcing the partners’ commitment to accelerating the adoption of clean marine fuels.
Pilbara’s Role as a Green Fuel Hub
The vessel is intended for operations at the Port of Dampier, situated in Western Australia’s Pilbara region—the world’s largest bulk export hub. As demand grows for low- and zero-carbon fuels in the resource-heavy region, the port is positioning itself as a key player in ammonia bunkering. This transition is supported by successful initiatives, including the port’s first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering trial in September 2024.
Technical Capabilities and Environmental Potential
Designed to serve ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers, the 130-meter-long vessel will carry up to 9,000 cbm of ammonia—enough for two round trips between Australia and North Asia. The design includes advanced containment and automation systems to ensure safe and efficient ship-to-ship transfers, reinforcing operational safety and reliability when handling ammonia as a marine fuel.
Strategic Industry Collaboration to Deliver Net-Zero Goals
Nick Bentley, Managing Director of Oceania, called the AiP “a major milestone” in establishing a scalable clean ammonia supply chain, aligning with Oceania’s target to deliver 1 million tonnes of clean marine fuel by 2030. He highlighted the importance of Dampier’s development as a cornerstone of the Pilbara–Asia green corridor.
SeaTech’s Engineering Vision for the Maritime Fuel Transition
SeaTech Vice President of Technology, Prabjot Singh Chopra, emphasized the vessel’s smart systems and safety-oriented features as essential to building trust in ammonia bunkering. He noted SeaTech’s ongoing collaboration in Australian decarbonization efforts and affirmed that this vessel represents both technological progress and a broader shift toward cleaner shipping.
DNV’s Assurance in Scaling Alternative Fuel Infrastructure
Antony M. D’Souza, DNV’s Senior Vice President for South East Asia and Pacific, underscored the importance of expanding bunkering infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of alternative fuels. He described the AiP as a step forward in building industry confidence in ammonia and a reflection of DNV’s role in providing trusted technical support during the maritime energy transition.
Managing Ammonia’s Complex Safety Profile
Despite its promise as a carbon-free fuel, ammonia’s toxic and corrosive characteristics demand strict safety measures. DNV’s recent white paper, Safe Introduction of Alternative Fuels, details key guidelines and operational strategies for safely integrating ammonia and hydrogen into shipping, serving as a valuable resource for shipowners navigating regulatory and technical complexities.
Towards Scalable Ammonia Bunkering Operations
The AiP validates the vessel concept’s technical feasibility and safety readiness, paving the way for further development. DNV’s prior experience, including a safety study for the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, played a critical role in shaping ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering protocols at Dampier. This project represents a concrete advancement in the region’s emergence as a leader in low-carbon fuel delivery systems for maritime decarbonization.
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Source: DNV
