Sumitomo Corporation, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) have secured Japanese government funding for a demonstration project to supply ammonia fuel to vessels in Singapore.

The project was selected for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s FY2024 Supplementary Budget Grant under the “Global South Future-Oriented Co-creation Project,” with Sumitomo Corporation acting as the coordinating company.

The three partners will conduct a trial supply of ammonia fuel via ship-to-ship (STS) transfer, using a bunkering vessel that complies with Singapore government requirements.

According to the companies, this will be their first ammonia bunkering demonstration and is intended to lay the groundwork for future commercial ammonia bunkering services in Singapore.

The initiative will focus on developing safety standards and refining operational procedures ahead of commercialisation. The companies noted that while ammonia is already traded globally in large volumes and STS transfers between ammonia carriers already occur, its use as a marine fuel introduces additional safety and operational challenges.

The demonstration will assess supply facilities, manage risks, establish procedures, and evaluate environmental factors to confirm the viability of ammonia fuel supply.

Singapore provides a suitable setting for ammonia trials, supported by established port infrastructure and deep maritime expertise.

Sumitomo Corporation said it would draw on more than 60 years in marine fuelling to advance next-generation energy chains.

K Line highlighted expertise gained from LNG bunkering activity in Singapore and Japan, particularly in the technical management of bunker tonnage.

NYK noted that it would apply handling capabilities and practical insights gained through its work on ammonia-fuelled ships to support the creation of a safe and efficient ammonia delivery network.

As previously reported, Sumitomo Corporation, K Line and NYK Bulkship (Asia) signed a memorandum of understanding in March to jointly study a newbuild ammonia bunkering vessel for operations in Singapore.