THE Singapore port authority recently issued a statement to temper expectations around ammonia bunkering, cautioning that the previously reported timeline to begin ammonia transfer in Singapore waters by the end of 2023 is not realistic, reports Singapore's Eco-Business.
Despite slower growth and high costs involved in finding greener fuels, the Singapore government is urging its shipping sector to focus on decarbonisation.
Ammonia, a colorless and pungent fuel that emits no carbon dioxide when burned, is currently in the spotlight as a potential cleaner replacement fuel for ocean vessels. But regulators worldwide have expressed concerns about the safety of transferring ammonia at sea, particularly if emergency procedures and training are not in place and safety standards have not been established.
The environmental impact of ammonia on marine life must also be studied, especially in areas where it intersects with major shipping channels and ports, such as the Strait of Malacca, according to a joint study by three parties, including the Environmental Defence Fund.
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