Lloyd’s Register Approves Ammonia Dual-Fuel System For Trafigura’s Medium Gas Carriers

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has successfully completed a joint development project (JDP) evaluating ammonia dual-fuel systems for Trafigura’s new medium gas carriers (MGCs), marking a significant step in expanding low-carbon fuel adoption in commercial shipping.

Project Overview

• LR conducted a thorough design evaluation and safety assessment, ensuring compliance with its rules and international safety regulations.

• The project advances the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, beyond specialized vessels, to more diverse ship types.

• Trafigura is among the first operators to commercially use ammonia dual-fuel systems on MGCs.

Newbuild MGCs

• Shipyard: HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD), Ulsan, South Korea.

• Contract Signed: 2024.

• Vessel Capacity: 45,000 cubic meters.

• Fuel System: WinGD ammonia dual-fuel engines and Alfa Laval’s Ammonia Release Mitigation System.

• Cargo: Capable of transporting both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and ammonia.

• Delivery Schedule: Expected by 2028.

Industry Impact & Decarbonization Efforts

• Ammonia as a Fuel:

  • Has the potential to significantly cut carbon emissions compared to conventional marine fuels.

  • Supports the decarbonization of heavy industries by providing a sustainable transport solution.

• Regulatory Importance:

  • Trafigura highlights the role of EU regulations, such as EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, in enabling investment in zero-carbon fuel technology.

  • Calls for global IMO policies, including a unified fuel standard and carbon levy, to accelerate shipping’s green transition.

• Strategic Positioning:

  • Trafigura’s investment in low-emission tankers sends a strong market signal for increasing zero-carbon fuel production and infrastructure development.

  • Aligns with global sustainability initiatives like the WEF’s First Movers Coalition and Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition.

Industry Collaboration & Future Research

• Joint development project (JDP) on ammonia fuel started in December 2024 and will continue until vessel deliveries.

• Participants include:

  • Lloyd’s Register (LR)

  • Trafigura Maritime Logistics

  • HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD)

  • HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine & Machinery Division

  • WinGD Ltd

  • Liquid Gas Equipment Limited (Babcock LGE)

  • Alfa Laval Corporate AB

  • Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

The approval of ammonia dual-fuel systems for Trafigura’s MGCs represents a major milestone in decarbonizing the shipping industry. By pioneering ammonia-powered commercial vessels, this initiative sets a precedent for sustainable fuel adoption and regulatory advancements in global shipping.