Trafigura, a market leader in the global commodities industry, has shipped ammonia and propane for the first time in collaboration with CF Industries.
In early January, the Medium Gas Carrier (MGC) “Green Power” completed a crossing from the USA to Europe, loaded with ammonia from CF Industries and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane) in separate tanks. The co-loaded vessel project served, in part, as a demonstration of the capabilities required to efficiently and economically transport low-carbon ammonia to supply ports that may not require an entire vessel of ammonia.
The ability to co-load low-carbon ammonia with LPG is one way to increase the availability of low-emission fuels. Low-carbon ammonia remains a leading candidate for alternative fuels, such as co-firing coal, and is helping the shipping industry transition from heavy fuel oil to lower carbon intensity alternatives.
Joint loading saves money and reduces emissions
“We regularly transport LPG and ammonia from the US to Europe on similar vessels. We can improve economics for our customers and reduce emissions with fewer trips by safely loading ammonia and LPG on the same vessel,” said Patricio Norris, Global Head of Ammonia and LPG at Trafigura.
“We value the partnership with Trafigura as we take steps together to prepare for the growing demand for low-carbon ammonia and the expected transition of the shipping industry to low-carbon ammonia as a fuel,” said Bert Frost, Executive Vice President, Sales, Market Development and Supply Chain, CF Industries. “Ammonia is safely transported by ship around the world every day, and this voyage underscores the flexibility we have to meet the emerging demand for low-carbon ammonia as we develop innovative transportation methods with industry leaders like Trafigura.”
The ammonia was loaded onto the Green Power from CF Industries’ manufacturing complex in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and the LPG was loaded into separate tanks on the vessel in Corpus Christi, Texas. Following a review of applicable regulations, approval by the US Coast Guard, a detailed risk assessment and planning with the ports, the shipowner and operator Purus and the STS company International Fender Providers (IFP), the loads were made.
Strict requirements for separating the various liquids
Strict separation requirements ensured that the spillage of liquids, condensates or vapours was prevented. After crossing the Atlantic, the liquid gas was unloaded in the Mediterranean as part of a ship-to-ship transport (STS) for use in households, while the ammonia was unloaded in the port of Tees for CF Fertilizers UK.
This shipment follows Trafigura’s first ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia in July 2024 for CF Industries, demonstrating the safe and efficient transfer of ammonia bunkering feasibility in the future as demand increases for hydrogen-based, low-carbon fuels that will enable the shipping industry to decarbonise. CF Industries is currently moving forward with a carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project at its Donaldsonville facility that will allow the company to produce large quantities of low-carbon ammonia. The CCS project is expected to start this year.
