ABS grants AIP for Japanese-designed ammonia bunkering ship

ABS has awarded an approval in principle (AIP) for a new design of ammonia bunkering vessel developed by a partnership between Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Itochu Corporation.

The project is part of a joint development study on the establishment of an ammonia fuel supply chain in Singapore. Local firms Singapore-TotalEnergies Marine Fuels and Pavilion Energy Singapore are also partners with MOL and Itochu on the project.

MOL and Itochu jointly designed the bunkering vessel in cooperation with Sembcorp Marine Integrated Yard, and after conducting a Hazard Identification Study (HAZID) as part of a risk assessment with partners in Singapore, applied for and received the AIP.

MOL said the vessel's design will incorporate extensive safety measures in consideration of ammonia's toxicity.