- Vessel Construction Backed by METI’s Global South Project.
- World’s First Ammonia Bunkering Vessel Set for 2027 Delivery in Singapore.
- ITOCHU Plans Offshore Ship-to-Ship Ammonia Bunkering Operations.
Japanese trading powerhouse ITOCHU Corporation has inked deals to build a 5,000 cbm ammonia bunkering vessel along with its accompanying ammonia tank plant. Sasaki Shipbuilding will construct the vessel, while Izumi Steel Works will take care of the tank unit. This ambitious project is being carried out through ITOCHU’s Singapore-based subsidiary, Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping (CABS). CABS has also secured financial backing from The Hiroshima Bank to help cover part of the vessel’s construction expenses, reports Offshore Energy.
Supported by Japan’s Government Global South Initiative
These contracts are part of an ammonia bunkering demonstration project that Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has adopted under its Global South Future-oriented Co-Creation Project. This initiative aims to support large-scale demonstrations in ASEAN countries, with Singapore serving as the central hub for this ammonia-based clean fuel pilot.
World’s First Ammonia Bunkering Vessel Set for Delivery by 2027
The vessel is slated for delivery under the Singapore Registry in September 2027. Once it’s launched, ITOCHU plans to kick off discussions with key maritime players, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and clean fuel producers, to establish a collaborative framework for ammonia bunkering operations.
Offshore Bunkering and Supply Chain Development
ITOCHU is setting its sights on launching offshore ammonia bunkering operations through ship-to-ship (STS) transfers once the vessel is ready. Their game plan involves connecting early adopters in ammonia production with operators of ammonia-fueled ships to kickstart the demand for ammonia as a marine fuel.
Global Expansion Beyond Singapore
Looking to the future, ITOCHU has ambitious plans to take the ammonia bunkering model global. They’re eyeing key maritime routes like the Strait of Gibraltar in Spain, the Suez Canal in Egypt, and various ports in Japan. The ultimate aim is to establish a thriving, sustainable ammonia bunkering business on a worldwide scale.
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Source: Offshore Energy
