Propulsion, maneuverability trials conducted in Port of Singapore by Fortescue’s dual-fueled vessel

Photo: Fortescue

With support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, government agencies, research institutes and industry partners, Fortescue has successfully completed propulsion and maneuverability trials of its Singapore-registered Fortescue Green Pioneer in the Port of Singapore.

The trials were conducted using 4.4 metric tons of liquid ammonia, in combination with diesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a second-generation biofuel, as marine fuel over 10 days from April 23 to May 2.

This latest milestone follows successful conducting of the world’s first dual-fueled ammonia-fuel trial in Port of Singapore by the Fortescue Green Pioneer in March, in which the vessel received flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships and the “gas-fueled ammonia” notation by classification society DNV to use ammonia, in combination with diesel, as a marine fuel.

The approval and notation were awarded upon the completion of a series of fuel trials that were conducted over a period of seven weeks in February and March using 3 tons of liquid ammonia.

The trials, conducted by the Fortescue Green Pioneer at anchor, included testing of the vessel’s ammonia-storage systems, associated piping, gas fuel-delivery system, retrofitted engines and seaworthiness.

Members of the maritime community visited the vessel during the Singapore Maritime Week in April to learn about the trials, emergency procedures and training of seafarers for the safe handling of ammonia fuel. 

To facilitate this set of trials involving propulsion and maneuverability tests as part of the vessel’s ongoing sea trials, a further tranche of approximately 4.4 tons of liquid ammonia was loaded April 23 at Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island. 

A designated test area along Raffles Reserved Anchorage was secured by MPA for the trials, and the Emergency Operations Centre was set up at MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre for representatives of MPA, Fortescue, Vopak, research institutes and government agencies to monitor the fuel loading and sea-trial operations.

Ammonia plume modeling and drone surveillance were also used by the EOC to support safety and incident planning and response.

This set of trials can be enhanced to support the sea trials of planned ammonia-fueled vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships prior to delivery if required.

The propulsion and maneuverability trials also included tests to validate the management of nitrogen-based emissions, and assessment of the vessel’s engine capability to operate on varying amounts of HVO in combination with ammonia.

As part of MPA’s efforts to strengthen maritime cybersecurity as vessels become increasingly digitalized and connected, MPA is also in discussion with Fortescue on the monitoring of info-comm technology and operational-technology systems onboard the Fortescue Green Pioneer to develop resilience of vessels with alternative fuels against cyber threats.

In the coming months, the Fortescue Green Pioneer is expected to play a key role in driving awareness of the need for the global shipping industry to adopt solutions such as green ammonia.