Phase 1: Ammonia bunkering pilot safety study

To assess safe bunkering of ammonia in Singapore and define safety and operational envelopes

• Forecast ammonia marine fuel demand in Singapore

• Analyse feasible operating concepts for pilot

• Screen, evaluate, and select suitable piloting sites

• Identify hazards, key risks and establish mitigation protocols

• Undertake quantitative risk assessment (QRA)

• Estimate total capital expenditure (CAPEX)

• Compile guidebook on ammonia bunkering pilots for seaports

• Demand projections: The report estimates that Singapore will need to avail 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of ammonia bunker by mid-2030s; one bunker barge with 15,000 m³ capacity is required to support this demand.

• Operational concepts: The study assessed risks associated with site-appropriate operational concepts of cross-dock breakbulk at the Advario Terminal (at 1500 m³/h), shore-to-ship bunkering at the Vopak Terminal (9 m³/h) and breakbulk and bunkering operations at Raffles Reserved Anchorage (700 m³/h; with other flow rates for sensitivity analysis).

• Risks identified: Of 400 risks identified for the four concepts at three locations, all were low or mitigable with proper safety measures.

• Risk thresholds: The cumulative individual injury and fatality risks for pilot operations and existing commercial operations at land-based sites are below the threshold set by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Major Hazards Department (MHD) guidelines.

• Safety zones: A safety zone of 300 m was estimated for a transfer flow rate of up to 700 m³/h at anchorage; this is comparable to the flow rates determined for LNG bunkering in its early days.

• Investment needs: The upfront investment to ready the land-based sites for ammonia bunkering pilots is in the order of SGD 1-10 M, depending on existing infrastructure.