Amon Maritime - Experts & Thought Leaders

DNV has released a competence standard (ST) for methanol and a recommended practice (RP) for ammonia, to enable crew and shipowners to tackle the safety risks and challenges posed by the introduction of new alternative fuels and technologies through shipping’s decarbonisation. While new fuels and technologies are key to achieving maritime decarbonisation, their adoption necessitates robust safety and competence frameworks. DNV’s Insights platform The number of vessels typed with alternative-fuelled power is growing, with 27 ammonia vessels According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights platform, the number of vessels ordered with alternative-fuelled capability is growing, with 27 ammonia and 322 methanol-fuelled vessels currently on the orderbooks.  To ensure safe operations as these vessels enter service, it is essential that the shipboard crew has the right knowledge and skills and adhere to updated processes and procedures. New fuels and technologies Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO DNV Maritime said: “Embracing new fuels and technologies is essential to achieving our decarbonisation goals, but these advancements introduce new risks, adding complexity to an already challenging operating environment." "To obtain a safe, timely, and impactful maritime transformation, we need to ensure safe operations by supporting both our seafarers and onshore personnel. Competence development is crucial for managing the transition safely and avoiding a safety gap that could put crew, assets, the environment, and our decarbonisation efforts at risk.” Shipboard crew on vessels The DNV-ST-0687 “Competence related to the use of methanol as fuel” published in October The DNV-ST-0687 “Competence related to the use of methanol as fuel” published in October, and the DNV-RP-0699 “Competence related to the use of ammonia as fuel,” published in December, apply to shipboard crew on vessels using methanol or ammonia as fuel. They clearly outline the expected competencies for using these fuels onboard, enabling the assessment and verification of an individual's knowledge and skills to ensure they can operate and maintain systems and equipment safely. Needs for the shipboard crew Kirsten Birgitte Strømsnes, Business Development Pioneer in DNV Maritime Advisory said: “Introducing methanol or ammonia as fuel onboard vessels will impact personnel ashore, the shipboard crew and the shipowner’s organisation. It is critical that the crew can recognise risks and operate systems safely and the organisation needs to accommodate for this through, i.e., safety management system and other organisational means." “DNV’s Methanol ST and Ammonia RP can provide the shipowner with an overview of competence needs for the shipboard crew, and assist in defining training needs, crew planning and input to manuals." Verification of learning programs Strømsnes added: "The purpose of these documents is to be used by shipowners for onboard familiarisation and competence management, by maritime academies and training institutions to develop curricula and courses and by third parties, as a reference document, for certification or verification of learning programs and competence assessments in examinations.” DNV collaborated with OSM Thome and Northern Marine when developing the ST and Amon Maritime, Azane Fuel solutions, Yara Clean Ammonia, Wärtsilä, Kongsberg Maritime and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement/Ula Ship Management when developing the ammonia RP.

Technology group Wärtsilä has introduced the marine sector’s first commercially available four-stroke engine-based solution for ammonia fuel. The new solution enables a significant advance in sustainable shipping operations–during a time in which ship owners are seeking viable options among green fuels. The ammonia solution is now commercially available as part of the Wärtsilä 25 engine platform, which was launched in September 2022. New ammonia solution Viridis Bulk Carriers, the world’s first zero-emission shipping company, is intended to be the first shipowner to benefit from the new ammonia solution. The company is a partnership between Amon Maritime, Mosvolds Rederi and Navigare Logistics. Viridis Bulk Carriers is bringing a ‘green game changer’ to the European short-sea bulk market Earlier this month, Wärtsilä and Viridis Bulk Carriers signed a Letter of Intent for the Wärtsilä 25 ammonia engine solution, targeting to sign a commercial contract in early 2024. Viridis Bulk Carriers is bringing a ‘green game changer’ to the European short sea bulk market, planning a carbon-free transportation service based on a series of ammonia-powered newbuild vessels. Net-zero emissions shipping “The maritime industry must significantly reduce its emissions if we are to succeed in reaching the goals set in the Paris Agreement. The adoption of new technologies and ammonia as a carbon-free fuel is central to this,” said André Risholm, Board member at Viridis Bulk Carriers. “We are delighted to partner with Wärtsilä on another important milestone for our ammonia-powered short sea bulk vessels.” Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä said: “Wärtsilä is a pioneer in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy industries. This industry-pioneering solution is yet another flagship moment in Wärtsilä’s extensive programme to ensure future marine fuels are both viable and safe. Working in partnership with Viridis Bulk Carriers, we take the next step in our decarbonisation journey, enabling the transition to greener fuels and accelerating towards net-zero emissions shipping.” AmmoniaPac fuel gas supply system Safety and efficiency are central to the solution design, maximised by a highly refined automation system In addition to the engine, the full solution includes an AmmoniaPac fuel gas supply system, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and the Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR) for optimal exhaust after-treatment. Safety and efficiency are central to the solution design, maximised by a highly sophisticated automation system and maintenance agreement to ensure safe and efficient onboard operations. The safe and smooth adoption of ammonia as a new fuel for crew members is further supported by dedicated training and 24/7 global support. “The ammonia solution is based on Wärtsilä’s well-proven LNG system, from which we have gained invaluable experience. The Wärtsilä 25 engine has been designed for easy adoption of sustainable fuels and, now, in addition to its previous capability of operating on diesel, LNG, or on gas or liquid carbon-neutral biofuels, we are proud to add ammonia to its specifications. This makes Wärtsilä 25 a thoroughly future-proof engine platform, that combines operational efficiency with environmental sustainability,” added Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business. IMO target for 2040 Sustainable ammonia is one of the pioneering candidates in shipping’s search for alternative clean fuels. This new Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia solution can immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70 percent, compared to a similar-sized diesel solution, meeting current EU targets until 2050 and even exceeding the IMO target for 2040. "This is only the beginning,” continued Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine Power. “The Wärtsilä 25 is the first Wärtsilä engine to run on ammonia as a fuel, and this is an important milestone, but we do not stop here. While we are planning for additional ammonia engines in our portfolio over time, we are also committed to continue development and testing of technologies and solutions that can continue to support the industry with reducing greenhouse gas emissions even further in the future.”

Nor-Shipping is partnering with Ocean Hyway Cluster and Maritime CleanTech to deliver The Second Nor-Shipping Hydrogen Conference on 7 June. The event, taking place at Nor-Shipping’s main exhibition halls in Lillestrøm, will feature experts pooled from right across the emerging hydrogen value chain, delivering insights on the very latest developments for one of maritime’s most promising ‘green’ future fuels. With a nod to its 2023 main theme of #PartnerShip, Nor-Shipping is joining forces for the initiative with Ocean Hyway Cluster, Norway’s leading Hydrogen network, and cluster organisation Maritime CleanTech. Together they aim to provide a ‘big picture’ overview of the current state of play concerning maritime hydrogen, looking at everything ranging from regulations and technology, through to supply chain developments and market drivers. It should be, notes Sidsel Norvik, Director, Nor-Shipping, “A unique opportunity to assess progress and plan strategies.” Value added insights Norvik comments: “Hydrogen has long been identified as one of the potential ‘silver bullet’ solutions for deep sea maritime fuel as we look to a sustainable future. However, it can be difficult to understand exactly how far we’ve come in terms of turning that promise into reality, and what the main challenges, and opportunities, are on the horizon.” Hydrogen has long been identified as one of the potential ‘silver bullet’ solutions for deep sea maritime fuel" “This conference, held together with two renowned specialist organisations, will help demystify the hydrogen landscape, delivering real value for our global audience of decisionmakers. This is the place to be for any stakeholder interested in unlocking the potential of maritime hydrogen.” Key maritime fuel Taking place in Studio N, Hall A2, the official programme runs from 13.00 to 16.00, with an informal lunch and networking from 12.00. A broad range of speakers has already been confirmed, with participants including Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand of Yara Clean Ammonia, Amon Maritime’s André Risholm, Mathieu Longueville from Flagships/ Sogestran, Norled’s Heidi Wolden, and Christian Berg from Amogy, amongst others. “The development and adoption of hydrogen as a key maritime fuel requires expertise, knowledge sharing and close collaboration across the entire value chain,” remarks Ada Jakobsen, CEO, Maritime CleanTech. “With this conference we aim to provide a platform for partnerships, bringing first movers in the hydrogen field together with the broader industry to accelerate developments. Nor-Shipping, as a leading global hub for the ocean space, is the perfect place to do that.” The programme features introductions, keynote speakers, development presentations and lively debates tailored to answer the key questions industry has on hydrogen. International market drivers Nor-Shipping runs from 6-9 June, bringing the global maritime and ocean industries together “From the latest vessel technology through to evolving international market drivers, this conference will help stakeholders understand progress and navigate future hydrogen developments,” comments Kristin Svardal, CEO, Ocean Hyway Cluster. “We’re delighted to have gathered some of the key players working to commercialise breakthrough solutions, while also ‘lifting the lid’ on the very latest market moves. The Second Nor-Shipping Hydrogen Conference should have something for everyone. We look forward to engaging discussions, showcasing innovations, and enabling powerful #PartnerShips at Nor-Shipping 2023.” Nor-Shipping runs from 6-9 June, bringing the global maritime and ocean industries together at venues across Oslo and Lillestrøm. In addition to 22,000m2 of exhibition space, a host of social, networking and knowledge sharing activities are planned, including the Ocean Leadership Conference, the first ever Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind and Offshore Aquaculture Conferences, The Nor-Shipping BBQ, the Fourth International Autonomy Summit, and the AfterWork@AkerBrygge social scene.