Australia’s Port of Dampier has played a pivotal role in a successful ammonia ship-to-ship transfer pilot helping establish the Pilbara region as a green ammonia bunkering hub.
The landmark operation saw two ammonia transfers completed, demonstrating the feasibility of using ammonia as a low-emission marine fuel.
“This initiative marks a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the shipping industry,” said Vania De Stefani, CEO, OSRL.
“We are proud to have supported this critical trial, showcasing our commitment to collaboration with industry leaders. By working closely with key stakeholders, we ensured safety and effective incident control.”
Collaborative effort
The pilot was launched through a collaboration between the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), Pilbara Ports, Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) and Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA)
The transfers, overseen by Pilbara Ports and Australian government agencies, met all environmental and regulatory requirements.
OSRL’s expertise was critical in developing a comprehensive emergency response plan tailored specifically for ammonia transfers, incorporating safety measures such as emergency shutdown devices and purging procedures.
In addition, OSRL oversaw emergency preparedness, including deploying a fire-fighting tug, ensuring the safety of operations.
This trial paves the way for other future low-emission maritime activities in the Pilbara region.
