DNV Grants Approval in Principle for New Ammonia Bunkering Vessel Design

Classification society DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International, in partnership with Oceania Marine Energy, for the design of a new 10,000 cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. The announcement was made during the Ammonia Energy APAC Conference 2025 and builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three parties during Singapore Maritime Week in April.

The proposed bunkering vessel is intended to serve ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers operating from the Port of Dampier in Western Australia—one of the world’s largest bulk export ports and an emerging hub for low-carbon marine fuel. The region is experiencing increasing demand for clean fuel alternatives, particularly from its mining and export sectors.

Measuring 130 metres in length, the vessel is designed to deliver up to 9,000 cbm of low-carbon ammonia per voyage, enough to support two round trips between Australia and North Asia for ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers. Its design incorporates advanced containment systems, a high level of automation, and smart controls to ensure safe, efficient ship-to-ship transfers of ammonia as both cargo and marine fuel.

Nick Bentley, Managing Director of Oceania Marine Energy, described the AiP as a significant development in enabling a future green shipping corridor between Pilbara and Asia.

“The completion of this AiP marks a major milestone in developing the foundation for clean ammonia supply and bunkering operations,” Bentley said. “It supports our ambition to deliver 1 million tonnes of clean marine fuel by 2030 and positions Dampier as a leader in the energy transition.”

Prabjot Singh Chopra, Vice President of Technology at SeaTech Solutions, emphasized the role of ammonia in long-distance shipping and the importance of safe delivery mechanisms.

“Our design supports the maritime sector’s transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels. With a focus on safety and automation, we are committed to supporting Australia’s decarbonization efforts with scalable and practical marine fuel solutions,” he said.

DNV’s Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime, Antony M Dsouza, highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in the shift toward alternative fuels.

“Scaling up bunkering capabilities is essential to unlocking the full potential of fuels like ammonia,” Dsouza noted. “This AiP adds momentum to those efforts and reflects growing industry readiness to adopt zero-carbon solutions.”

Ammonia presents a promising pathway for maritime decarbonization but also poses operational challenges due to its toxicity and corrosiveness. In response, DNV has published guidance to help shipowners navigate safety, crew training, and regulatory compliance for ammonia-fuelled ships. The classification society also contributed to a recent safety study for the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), which supported a successful ship-to-ship ammonia transfer pilot at the Port of Dampier in 2024.

An Approval in Principle is a formal assessment that verifies a design concept is technically viable and free of major implementation obstacles within defined regulatory parameters.