Lloyd’s Register to run feasibility study of Yara and Pilbara Ports ammonia bunkering

A global professional services organisation will undertake a key feasibility study into using clean ammonia to refuel ships at the world-scale ports in the Pilbara. Lloyd’s Register was announced as the successful candidate to run the study on October 17 and it comes after the signing of a collaboration agreement in August between Yara Clean Ammonia and Pilbara Ports Authority in July. The company will provide analysis focusing on key factors needed to assess the potential uptake of ammonia bunkering and comprise the market for clean fuels in shipping, infrastructure requirements, safety considerations, and is expected to take at least 12 months. Yara Clean Ammonia vice-president bunkering, port relationships and regulation Tessa Major said the company’s existing and developing operations in the Pilbara were the perfect catalyst for unlocking new opportunities. “Yara Clean Ammonia’s ambitions in Australia will move the dial in the energy transition and an exciting part of that is creating emission-free fuel to power ships.” she said PPA chief executive Roger Johnston said the feasibility study will guide the future of ammonia bunkering in the Pilbara. “PPA is well-placed to support clean energy transitions in the maritime industry in the Pilbara,” he said. “Our operations are in close proximity to ammonia fuel production facilities and there are numerous bulk ships dedicated to particular routes which frequently visit our ports.” Lloyd’s Register chief commercial officer Andy McKeran said the maritime industry had to make some significant investment decisions around alternative fuels in the decade ahead, but maritime value chain stakeholders needed surety on future fuel availability and the existence of landside infrastructure. “Studies like this one will help give more certainty on the feasibility of the options being considered and will enable the industry to work to address the safety challenges around their safe adoption,” he said.