Ammonia bunkering opens new path for ports

Envision Energy has powered a 5,500 HP ammonia-fueled port vessel using green ammonia from its Chifeng-based hydrogen-ammonia facility – which is the the largest of its kind in the world.

“This successful bunkering demonstrates how net zero fuels can scale from renewable power generation to hard-to-abate sectors like maritime shipping – a true breakthrough for green ammonia,” said Frank Yu, senior vice president of Envision Energy.

“We are proud that our green ammonia powered the world’s first bunkering of its kind. It’s a testament to Envision’s ability to deliver end-to-end net zero solutions that accelerate the replacement of fossil fuels with green energy in shipping and redefine what’s possible for the broader industrial transition.”

Integrated bunkering

This operation, completed at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry’s terminal, highlights how ports can now integrate ammonia bunkering into routine services alongside other alternative fuels including LNG, biofuels and methanol.

The port tugboat involved in the operation has obtained the “Ammonia Fuel Tug” classification from China Classification Society.

It’s equipped with an advanced ammonia dual-fuel engine and achieves a 91% ammonia substitution rate, significantly reducing fossil fuel dependence and cutting emissions in port operations.

Meanwhile, the ammonia fuel used in the operation is certified by both ISCC Plus and Bureau Veritas, with verified low greenhouse gas emissions. Produced using wind, solar, and energy storage, the fuel exemplifies a full-cycle sustainable supply chain, from generation to port vessel operation.

Envision Energy designs and manufactures smart wind turbines, smart energy storage systems and green hydrogen solutions.