Eastern Pacific Shipping is teaming up with MAN Energy Solutions, the Singapore port authority, classification societies and shipbuilders to develop ammonia-burning engines.
The dual-fuel engines will be fitted in the company’s newcastlemax bulker newbuildings and very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) that are slated for delivery from 2026.
Eastern Pacific has signed three memorandums of understanding (MOUs). One is with the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and American Bureau of Shipping, while the other two are with Lloyd’s Register and Chinese yards Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding and Jiangnan Shipyard.
Eastern Pacific has six 93,000-cbm VLACs booked at Jiangnan and up to six 210,000-dwt newcastlemaxes at Qingdao Beihai.
A year ago, Eastern Pacific, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and ABS signed a similar MOU during Posidonia to build a series of midsize or large gas carriers.
Eastern Pacific said the three latest MOUs demonstrate the organisations’ “act now” approach to decarbonisation and environmental preservation. The engines are expected to create a pathway for wide-scale adoption across shipping.
“We have been talking about energy transition and lowering emissions for years,” said Eastern Pacific chief executive Cyril Ducau.
“Today, we are ready to talk about zero-emission solutions. The ammonia engines by MAN Energy Solutions will be an inflection point for the maritime industry.
“In the next few years, we expect to operate vessels with significantly reduced emissions running on ammonia.
“Dual-fuel engines like LNG, LPG and ethane will still play a significant role in various segments. However, with this engine, it will mean that this will be the first time that oceangoing vessels will take a significant step towards zero carbon emissions. This is an extremely exciting time for all of us.”
Bjarne Foldager, senior vice president of MAN Energy Solutions, said the manufacturer is pleased to be developing the state-of-the-art engines.
He described it as “a significant milestone” for the two companies and the industry.
“Together, we will show that ammonia is a commercially viable option for shipowners and managers to become International Maritime Organization-compliant years ahead of schedule. MAN Energy Solutions looks forward to playing its role in creating a cleaner shipping industry by helping our partners substantially lower their carbon footprint.”
Chief executive Teo Eng Dih said the MPA is investigating the use of ammonia for international shipping and is glad to be part of this collaborative effort.
“The next few years will be critical as we work with partners to examine ways to derisk the application and operation for ammonia-fuelled vessels and enhance the development of low and zero-carbon solutions,” said Teo.
The MPA will be working closely with Eastern Pacific and partners to study the ammonia engine design and operations to support the development of safety guidelines and standards, port preparations, training and emergency response plans.
Eastern Pacific is one of the main shipping companies in Singapore. It controls more than 250 vessels and 23m dwt across container ships, dry bulk and tankers.
