Japanese shipping company, NYK Line completed its first-ever ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of liquefied ammonia, moving approximately 23,000 tons between two vessels in open waters off Ceuta, Spain on September 2, 2025.
The ammonia was transferred from the carrier Berlian Ekuator, owned by NYK and time-chartered by Mitsui & Co., to the ammonia carrier Eco Enchanted, operated by Trammo, Inc., a leading ammonia trading company.
This was NYK’s first STS transfer of liquefied ammonia, adding to its established experience in STS operations involving crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
NYK leveraged its expertise and upgraded safety management system to ensure the transfer was completed securely under strict safety measures.
Trammo brought in its years of experience in ammonia handling, working with its designated STS specialist provider, International Fender Providers Ltd., to support the operation. The collaboration ensured the safe movement of the entire cargo in compliance with rigorous safety protocols.
Ammonia is a vital industrial product, widely used in fertilizers and chemicals. Beyond these uses, it is gaining attention as a carbon-free fuel option for the future.
Industry experts believe ammonia could play an important role in decarbonising shipping and other sectors, making it a key part of future energy systems.
Unlike conventional port-based transfers, STS transfers are flexible because they do not depend on port facilities, making them a good solution for growing ammonia transport needs. The success of this operation is seen as a milestone toward developing a global ammonia supply chain.
Reference: NYK Line
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