SBM Offshore has received approval in principle from classification society ABS for its floating offshore ammonia production and storage design, which aims to convert extracted natural gas into ammonia while capturing CO2 through carbon capture and storage technology.

The design is intended to serve the decarbonized energy needs of the power and maritime transportation sectors, as well as the global ammonia market. The facility would process offshore gas resources that might otherwise remain stranded.

"We are seeing increasing innovation and new developments around ammonia as an alternative fuel, whether as a carrier of hydrogen or as a fuel in its own right. ABS is proud to work with SBM Offshore on this project, sharing our deep insight into the safety challenges of ammonia, along with our extensive technical expertise on complex floating production facilities," said Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore.

The blue ammonia production facility forms part of SBM Offshore's strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Blue ammonia refers to ammonia produced from natural gas with CO2 capture technology applied during the production process.

"The blue ammonia design marks a pivotal moment in SBM Offshore's journey to decarbonize and diversify and exemplifies our TRUE. BLUE. TRANSITION strategy. We continue to leverage our ocean infrastructure expertise to pioneer solutions for the energy transition. It's a bold step into the blue economy, where we continue to unlock new markets and deliver sustainable value," said Olivier Icyk, SBM Offshore's Chief Business Officer.

ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements for the floating production facility. The classification society has been involved in offshore operations for more than 70 years, providing guidance on new and evolving solutions for offshore asset management.