Bureau Veritas (BV) has announced that it will provide classification services for the world’s first 5,000 cubic meter ammonia bunkering vessel. The vessel is being built by Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and is expected to be delivered around September 2027. This project represents a significant milestone in the infrastructure development required for ammonia as a next-generation marine fuel.
The vessel will be classified in accordance with BV’s stringent safety, sustainability, and innovation standards, including the “NR 620 Bunkering Vessel Rules” and “NR 467 Steel Ships Classification Rules.” Additionally, it will receive the SW-Registry (Special Vessel Registry) and CYBER RESILIENT additional class notations, highlighting its data security protection capabilities and compliance with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) UR E26 and UR E27 requirements.
This groundbreaking project stems from BV’s long-term collaboration with Sasaki Shipbuilding—both parties are committed to advancing the research, development, and application of new fuels such as ammonia, jointly fulfilling the maritime industry’s mission of environmental protection and innovation.
Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas, stated: “Our long-term partnership with Sasaki Shipbuilding is based on a shared vision of promoting safe and sustainable innovation in shipbuilding. We are honored to support this world-first ammonia bunkering vessel, which marks a substantial step forward in scaling zero-carbon fuel infrastructure.”
He added: “This project reflects BV’s holistic strategy of supporting the decarbonization and safe application of alternative fuels through the ‘Future Shipping Team.’ This global cross-functional network brings together over 300 experts across 15 workstreams to help the maritime industry navigate complex transitions. As ammonia gains attention as a potential zero-carbon fuel, BV will continue to provide classification frameworks and technical insights to assist shipyards, owners, and operators in making pragmatic and future-oriented decisions.”
It is reported that Sasaki Shipbuilding recently signed a contract with Japan’s Itochu Corporation to build the world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel. The new vessel is expected to conduct ammonia bunkering demonstration tests in Singapore starting October 2027. Itochu Corporation has also signed an equipment contract with Izumi Steel Works, which will manufacture the vessel’s ammonia fuel tank system.
This project has been selected for Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) 2023 Supplementary Budget Program “Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project (Large-Scale Demonstration/ASEAN Member States).” With the support of the Japanese government, Itochu Corporation will engage in detailed discussions with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and other relevant stakeholders, including fuel producers, to advance ammonia bunkering demonstrations in Singapore.
Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping (CABS), a wholly-owned special purpose company established by Itochu Corporation in Singapore, will serve as the vessel owner and has signed a construction financing agreement with Hiroshima Bank. Upon completion, the vessel will be operated under a time charter by Itochu’s wholly-owned subsidiary ZETA Bunkering, providing offshore ammonia bunkering services to ammonia-fueled vessels.
