ABS has granted approval in principle (AiP) to SBM Offshore for a floating facility design that can convert offshore natural gas into blue ammonia, creating a potential new supply route for future marine fuel.
The concept combines offshore gas extraction with onboard conversion to ammonia, while capturing associated CO₂ through carbon capture and storage (CCS).
The resulting product is targeted at the global ammonia market and as a decarbonised fuel option for the power and shipping sectors.
“We are seeing increasing innovation and new developments around ammonia as an alternative fuel, whether as a carrier of hydrogen or as a fuel in its own right,” said Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore.
“ABS is proud to work with SBM Offshore on this project, sharing our deep insight into the safety challenges of ammonia, along with our extensive technical expertise on complex floating production facilities.”
SBM Offshore said the blue ammonia facility aligns with its “TRUE. BLUE. TRANSITION” strategy and supports its ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
