CIMC SOE to provide fuel tanks for ‘world’s first’ ammonia-fueled bulker

Chinese shipbuilder Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore ＆ Engineering (CIMC SOE) has secured an order for liquefied ammonia fuel tanks to be used on the ‘world’s first’ ammonia-powered bulk carrier. 

As informed, these fuel tanks will be installed on the world’s first ammonia-fueled bulk carrier being constructed by Qingdao Beihai Shipyard. Belgian bulk carrier operator CMB.TECH signed an agreement with WinGD to put the world’s first ammonia-fueled bulkers on the water. The ships are being built for CMB’s sister firm Bocimar.

Moreover, Qingdao SunRui, acting as the total package supplier for the ammonia fuel gas system, has partnered with CIMC SOE following their collaboration on a dual-fuel bulk carrier liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel tank project.

Together, they will work closely to ensure the delivery of this project. The series of ships will be equipped with WinGD’s ammonia engine, ammonia fuel gas system, and liquefied ammonia fuel tanks, to achieve zero-carbon emission propulsion through clean fuel.

For this project, high-pressure cylindrical tanks have been selected. According to CIMC SOE, each tank will have a geometric capacity of 3,000 cubic meters, measuring 31 meters in length and 12 meters in diameter, both featuring hemispherical heads.

The order comprises a total of twelve 3,000 cbm ammonia fuel tanks for six sets of vessels, all of which will be autonomously designed and constructed by CIMC SOE.

“The signing of the ammonia fuel tank order represents another significant breakthrough for CIMC SOE in the realm of green shipping. It is also a tangible demonstration of the company’s proactive response to the national call for green development and its commitment to driving high-quality growth within the industry,” the Chinese shipbuilder noted.

As the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets for drastically reducing ship carbon emissions draw closer, ammonia fuel has emerged as an increasingly popular alternative among shipbuilders and owners.

As a clean and efficient energy source, liquefied ammonia holds significant promise for the shipping industry.

Unlike traditional heavy oil, ammonia fuel does not produce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide upon combustion, leaving only water and nitrogen as byproducts, making it one of the most environmentally friendly marine fuels available.

This contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping sector and promoting green, sustainable development. Additionally, ammonia boasts a high energy density and ease of storage, providing vessels with a stable and reliable energy supply.

In April this year, CIMC SOE received an order for two plus two 40,000 cbm liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)/ammonia carriers. The vessels are expected to be delivered to an unnamed ‘European shipowner’ in 2028.