Successful Ship-to-Ship Transfer of 23,000 Tons of Liquefied Ammonia Achieved

A ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of ammonia was carried out off the coast of Ceuta, Spain. The operation involved the ammonia carrier Berlian Ekuator, owned by NYK and time-chartered by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and the ammonia carrier Eco Enchanted, operated by Trammo, Inc. The transfer was completed under strict safety procedures.

NYK noted that while the company has conducted STS transfers of crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), this was its first operation involving liquefied ammonia.

The transfer of approximately 23,000 metric tons of ammonia was supported by Trammo’s experience in ammonia trading and the involvement of its designated STS service provider, International Fender Providers Ltd. NYK said it applied its safety management system and operational expertise in executing the operation.

Ammonia is already widely used in fertilizers and chemicals but is increasingly being considered as a potential clean energy carrier, including as a marine fuel. As demand for ammonia is expected to grow, the STS method is gaining attention because it is not limited by port size or land-based infrastructure, offering a more flexible alternative to conventional handling methods.

NYK stated it will apply the experience from this transfer toward advancing next-generation fuel use and enhancing maritime transport safety systems in support of wider decarbonization efforts.