NYK has carried out its first ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of liquefied ammonia, in a move that points directly to how the fuel could be supplied to ships as a future marine energy source.
On September 2, about 23,000 mt was moved from the Berlian Ekuator — owned by NYK and time-chartered to Mitsui & Co — to Trammo’s Eco Enchanted off Ceuta, Spain.
STS specialist International Fender Providers supported the offshore transfer, which was conducted under strict safety measures.
NYK has decades of experience in crude oil, LNG and LPG transfers, but this was its first attempt with ammonia.
The company said the product is expected to find multiple applications, including as a marine fuel.
With demand for zero-carbon energy expected to rise, STS handling is being highlighted as a flexible way of distributing ammonia at scale. Unlike conventional port transfers, offshore operations are not limited by terminal size or onshore infrastructure, making them a strong candidate for future bunker supply chains.
