Ammonia bunkering is steadily moving from concept toward practical implementation, and the choices made today will shape how safely and efficiently ammonia can be used in operation. This was a key message when Maritime CleanTech gathered industry, authorities and technology providers for its Tech Update on Enabling Ammonia Bunkering — with particular relevance for the Apollo project and the planned demonstration of ammonia onboard Viking Energy.
Ammonia has been transported safely as shipping cargo for decades, providing a strong foundation for its use as a marine fuel. The Tech Update highlighted how this accumulated experience is now being translated into practical bunkering procedures, vessel design solutions and emerging regulatory frameworks. As ammonia-powered vessels move closer to operation, both ship design and port preparedness play a critical role in managing risk and enabling safe bunkering operations.
Designing for Safe Ammonia Operation
Reinert Nordtveit from Breeze Ship Design presented the design solutions developed for Viking Energy, the platform supply vessel selected for ammonia demonstration under the Apollo project. The project is progressing, with yard selection expected to be announced soon.
The design work is anchored in the Alternative Design approval process and supported by comprehensive safety assessments. Managing accidental gas dispersion, ensuring safe haven integrity and integrating ammonia systems into an existing offshore vessel have required detailed risk analyses, iterative design development and close dialogue with class and flag authorities. The work has included structured HAZID studies, computational gas dispersion analysis and quantitative risk assessment, forming the basis for key design decisions related to system layout, ventilation, safety systems and structural integration.
Vessels Are Coming
Confidence in ammonia as a marine fuel is growing. Ammonia-powered vessels are now being ordered, reflecting increased commitment across the maritime value chain. As these ships move toward operation, they offer the potential for substantial emissions reductions, particularly in segments where battery-electric solutions are not viable.
To realise this potential at scale, several foundations must be strengthened. Green ammonia production must accelerate, bunkering infrastructure must continue to develop, and regulatory frameworks must become clearer and more harmonised. Moving beyond project-specific and port-by-port solutions toward more aligned standards will be essential to reduce uncertainty and unlock long-term investment.
Maritime CleanTech’s Tech Update highlighted both progress and realism. Demonstrations are building experience, infrastructure plans are emerging, and regulatory work is advancing. But coordinated development across the value chain remains critical. Building these foundations today will determine how quickly ammonia can become a safe and scalable part of the future fuel landscape.
