The maritime industry is buzzing with news from the Ammonia Energy APAC Conference 2025, where DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International (SeaTech) and Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) for a new 10,000cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. This isn’t just another stamp of approval; it’s a significant step forward in the maritime sector’s push towards decarbonization. The AiP builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year, setting the stage for what could be a game-changer in low-carbon shipping fuels.
The Port of Dampier, nestled in the Pilbara region, is at the heart of this development. Home to the world’s largest bulk export port, Dampier is positioning itself as a potential hub for low-carbon ammonia bunkering. The port has been ramping up its experience with ammonia cargoes and vessels, and it’s not just talk—Dampier successfully completed its first ship-to-ship pilot bunkering transfer last September. This isn’t a one-off; it’s part of a broader strategy to facilitate ammonia bunkering operations, driven by the region’s mining and export industries’ demand for low- and zero-carbon shipping fuels.
The vessel in question is a 130-metre behemoth, designed to deliver low-carbon ammonia to ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers. It can supply up to 9,000cbm of fuel, enough to support two round-trips of iron ore shipment between Australia and North Asia. The design focuses on efficiency and safety, with optimized arrangements and advanced containment systems for ship-to-ship transfers.
Nick Bentley, Managing Director at Oceania Marine Energy, put it succinctly: “This initiative reinforces Oceania’s commitment to deliver 1 million tonnes of clean marine fuel by 2030 and positions Dampier as a future leader in the shipping industry’s transition to near net-zero marine fuel.”
Prabjot Singh Chopra, Vice President of Technology at SeaTech Solutions, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the vessel’s high level of automation and smart control systems. “Our vessel design incorporates a high level of automation and smart control systems to ensure safe handling of ammonia, enhancing both crew safety and operational reliability during ship-to-ship transfers.”
But let’s not forget, ammonia is no walk in the park. Its toxic and corrosive nature demands stringent handling and safety protocols. DNV’s latest white paper, Safe Introduction of Alternative Fuels – Focuses on Ammonia and Hydrogen as Ship Fuels, outlines the steps needed to mitigate operational risks, from crew training to technical safeguards.
Antony M Dsouza, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, emphasized the importance of scaling up production and bunkering infrastructure. “This AiP is another step in realizing operationally ready bunkering capabilities and strengthening industry confidence in the potential of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for shipping.”
So, what does this mean for the future? Well, if Dampier can pull this off, it could set a precedent for other ports looking to transition to low-carbon fuels. The success of this initiative could accelerate the development of similar projects worldwide, pushing the maritime industry closer to its decarbonization goals. But it’s not just about the ports; it’s about the entire ecosystem. From production and bunkering to safety protocols and crew training, every piece of the puzzle needs to fall into place. And that’s where the real challenge—and opportunity—lies. The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and initiatives like this could very well shape the path forward. It’s not just about staying afloat; it’s about sailing into a greener future.