The Motorship talks to Rene Laursen, ABS director – fuels & technology, global sustainability about the safety and operational requirements for bunkering and safe handling of ammonia as it emerges as a popular potential choice to support the maritime industry’s energy transition.

Question: What are the challenges in designing an Ammonia bunkering station compared to LNG?

Answer: Designing an ammonia bunkering station presents some challenges compared to LNG, primarily due to ammonia’s high toxicity and corrosive nature. In addition, the volume of fuel that needs to be transferred will be approximately twice that of LNG to deliver the same amount of energy. This could either prolong the length of the bunkering operation or increase the size of equipment required. However, many of the safety protocols established for LNG and the experience gathered with gas can be re-used with ammonia.