NYK complex ship-to-ship transfer of 23,000 tonnes of liquefied ammonia

This was the first operation involving liquefied ammonia.

NYK Line has announced the completion of the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of 23,000 tonnes of liquefied ammonia.

In a statement, NYK said the ammonia transfer was executed from the ammonia carrier Berlian Ekuator — owned by NYK and time-chartered by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. — to the ammonia carrier Eco Enchanted, operated by Trammo, Inc. The transfer was conducted in accordance with stringent safety protocols on the high seas off the coast of Ceuta, Spain.

Whilst NYK has experience with STS transfers involving crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), this marks its first operation involving liquefied ammonia.

“With demand expected to increase, the STS method, which is not constrained by port size or onshore equipment, is attracting attention as a flexible supply method compared to conventional land-based cargo handling methods. The success of this operation marks a significant milestone in developing an international supply network for ammonia,” the company said.