The commodity trading company Trafigura has ordered four ammonia-powered vessels in South Korea.
Trafigura has signed a contract with HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for four Medium Gas Carriers (MGC) that can run on ammonia as fuel upon delivery. The vessels will be built at HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea. [ds_preview]
The ships can run on LPG or ammonia and the first newbuild is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The ships should help Trafigura achieve its goal of reducing the carbon intensity of its own fleet by 25% by 2030.
As a member of the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition and a founding member of the First Movers Coalition, Trafigura is committed to developing the low-carbon fuels and vessels needed to decarbonise global shipping. “Today’s announcement represents an important next step in these efforts,” said the Dutch group.
“We are delighted to embark on this ambitious project together with HD Hyundai Mipo, which supports our commitment to decarbonise shipping and will help us develop the global low-carbon ammonia bunkering infrastructure needed for zero-carbon shipping,” says Andrea Olivi, Head of Wet Freight.
Trafigura on board for MAN engine development
As one of the world’s largest charterers of ships, Trafigura is responsible for more than 5,000 voyages per year, with around 400 ships currently under management. The company has already tested a range of alternative marine fuels, including LNG, methanol, LPG and biofuels. Trafigura has also co-funded the development of a two-stroke engine from MAN Energy Solutions that can run on green ammonia and is also investing in onboard carbon capture technology.
According to the company, investments are also being made in efficiency measures, for example in the silicone coating of ship hulls, ultrasonic antifouling technology and continuous underwater hull cleaning.
