Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping signs memorandum of understandings (MoU) for the development of ammonia dual-fuel vessels.
The shipowner teams up with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and yards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) on the development of ammonia burning engine that will be fitted to a new fleet of EPS-managed vessels.
The ammonia dual-fuel engines will be fitted in the fleet of EPS-managed newcastlemaxes and very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) slated for delivery from 2026 onwards.
The announcement comes a year after EPS, HHI, and ABS signed a similar MoU for the construction of a series of mid or large gas carriers.
“These vessels, fitted with MAN ES’s ammonia burning engines, are expected to create a pathway for wide-scale adoption across the maritime industry,” notes the shipowner today.
The three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed demonstrate the organisations’ ‘act-now’ approach to decarbonisation and environmental preservation.
Eastern Pacific Shipping, chief executive, Cyril Ducau believes that the ammonia engines by MAN ES will be an inflection point for the maritime industry.
The chief executive also expects the company EPS to operate vessels, in the next few years, 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 ocean going vessels will take a significant step towards zero carbon emissions. This is a an extremely exciting time for all of us.”
Bjarne Foldager, MAN ES senior vice president, said that “Together, we will show that ammonia is a commercially viable option for ship owners and managers to become IMO compliant years ahead of schedule.”
