Recently, Liaoning Suppliers Co., Ltd., a subsidiary under China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers Co., Ltd., achieved a milestone by successfully refueling the marine ammonia-powered tugboat “Yuantuo 1,” with a power output of 5500HP, at the COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry terminal in Dalian.

This operation marks the first time marine ammonia fuel has been bunkered in China, signifying another significant stride forward by China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers in the advancement of alternative energy applications for maritime vessels.

To facilitate the seamless execution of this operation, the company received robust support and guidance from the Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration, Dalian Transportation Bureau, Dalian Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, and the China Classification Society, among others. It meticulously addressed critical aspects related to the ammonia refueling process, safety assurance, and emergency response protocols. The resultant “5500HP Ammonia-Powered Tugboat Refueling Regulations” was developed and successfully passed expert review.

Given the inherent risks associated with the toxicity of liquid ammonia, the company carried out extensive pre-operational checks, safety assessments, and tests, focusing on the challenges of pressure regulation during the transition between liquid and gaseous phases of ammonia. To ensure the smooth progress of this operation, the refueling was conducted using a vehicle-to-ship method. Liaoning Suppliers Co., Ltd. collaborated closely with COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry Dalian on the ammonia fueling procedures, emergency drills, and actual refueling operations. Operators were thoroughly trained on the “Refueling Regulations” and the “On-site Emergency Response Plan for the Ship Refueling Operation of Ammonia Fuel.” The company also conducted comprehensive drills simulating scenarios of liquid ammonia leakage, fire explosions, and personnel first aid during refueling, culminating in the safe and successful completion of China’s inaugural ammonia fueling for a new vessel.

The successful bunkering of ammonia fuel for ammonia-powered tugboats has effectively tested the integrity and efficiency of the company’s bunkering equipment system. It has validated the practicality and efficacy of the “Ammonia-Powered Tugboat Bunkering Regulations,” gathered valuable knowledge and experience for the deployment of ammonia fuel in large vessels, and contributed transferable insights for the broader application of marine alternative clean fuels within the shipping sector.

Confronted with the challenges of the shipping industry’s green transformation and development, China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers has steadfastly committed itself to delivering clean energy supply solutions to its customers. The company persistently advances the research of low-carbon alternative fuel bunkering technologies for vessels and is dedicated to establishing a robust green alternative energy security system.

Moving forward, the company will further intensify its resource investment, following through on the normalization of bonded marine biofuel supply in the Greater Bay Area. It is dedicated to enhancing the service capabilities of ammonia fuel supply, injecting fresh impetus into the sustainable growth of the shipping industry.

About Green Energy

Ammonia fuel, emerging as an alternative for maritime applications, is regarded as an efficient medium for the storage and conveyance of hydrogen energy. Its combustion byproducts are predominantly nitrogen and water, yielding no greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Dubbed “zero-carbon” clean energy, its utilization promotes technological innovation and fosters the green, low-carbon progression of the shipping industry.