James Fisher and Sons supported the successful ammonia ship-to-ship transfer as part of an industry-leading pilot with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation.

Customer challenge 

A Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) led consortium wanted to undertake a study to assess the safe bunkering of ammonia as a marine fuel. 

James Fisher contributed to several months of pre-operation analysis in the development of the pilot, which aimed to counter industry-wide concerns about the safe handling of ammonia. 

Solution for our customer

James Fisher's team of STS experts conducted several operational studies, including whether parameters, and engineered a technical solution for accommodating the safe transfer of equipment onboard the vessel.

Our team provided fenders, hoses, ERCs, mooring lines and saddles suitable for use during the two pilot ammonia transfers, alongside the implementation of additional safety measures to mitigate the risks of ammonia toxicity, including emergency release coupling and dry break-away systems, enhanced PPE and nitrogen purging of transfer equipment. 

Customer impact 

• The ammonia STS pilot clearly demonstrated the operational viability of ammonia as a marine fuel in this region
• Supported the development of enhanced safety measures for the transfer of harmful cargo, such as ammonia, in a maritime setting 
• Further strengthened cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing for improved operational efficiencies 

Images courtesy of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation