Lloyd's Register to study ammonia bunkering in Western Australia

Lloyd's Register (LR) has been selected to undertake feasibility studies into using clean ammonia to refuel ships at ports in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, LR and Pilbara Ports Authority said in a joint statement published on October 17.

The announcement follows the signing of a collaboration agreement in August between Yara Clean Ammonia and the Pilbara Ports Authority.

LR will provide an analysis focusing on key factors needed to assess the potential uptake of ammonia refuelling. The feasibility study will comprise the market for clean fuels in shipping; shoreside infrastructure requirements; safety considerations; and the regulations required to support ammonia bunkering at Pilbara ports. The execution of the study is expected to take at least 12 months.

Last month, the final investment decision was announced for Project Yuri, which will see a renewable hydrogen plant built adjacent to the Yara Pilbara’s existing ammonia plants close to the Dampier port.

As part of the study, Yara Clean Ammonia and Pilbara Ports Authority will look to establish an advisory committee including representatives of shipping customers and providers to have input into the process.