SBM Offshore’s Floating Ammonia Production Facility Gains ABS Approval In Principle

SBM Offshore has received approval in principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its innovative floating offshore ammonia production and storage design. This groundbreaking concept integrates natural gas conversion with carbon capture and storage (CCS), advancing the role of ammonia as a decarbonized energy solution for global markets.

Pioneering Offshore Ammonia Production

The facility is designed to convert extracted offshore natural gas into ammonia while capturing CO₂ through CCS technology. This approach enables offshore gas resources to be valorized in a sustainable way, supporting both the power and maritime transport sectors. In addition, the ammonia produced will contribute to the growing global demand for low-carbon energy carriers and hydrogen alternatives.

Industry Recognition and Strategic Alignment

ABS praised the project for addressing the technical and safety challenges of ammonia handling and recognized SBM Offshore’s innovation in floating production facilities. Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, highlighted the increasing importance of ammonia as both a hydrogen carrier and a fuel in its own right.

Olivier Icyk, SBM Offshore’s Chief Business Officer, emphasized that the “Blue Ammonia” design represents a pivotal moment in the company’s TRUE. BLUE. TRANSITION strategy, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonization, diversification, and sustainable value creation in the blue economy.

The approval in principle marks a major milestone in SBM Offshore’s path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Combining offshore infrastructure expertise with advanced decarbonization technology, the floating ammonia production facility not only strengthens SBM’s role in the energy transition but also sets a new standard for sustainable offshore operations.