Trafigura says ammonia bunkering is possible after claiming first STS transfer

Commodity trader Trafigura and shipowner Purus completed their first ammonia ship-to-ship (STS) cargo operation near Ceuta in the Gibraltar Strait last week. 

PHOTO: The ammonia cargo was transferred to the Green Power last week near Ceuta in Spain. Trafigura

Around 6,000 mt of ammonia cargo meant for the fertiliser industry was transferred to the gas carrier Green Power, which is on a time charter to Trafigura from London-headquartered shipowner Purus.

Malta-based STS service provider International Fender Providers (IFP) carried out the operation. STS transfers have not been widely adopted by the ammonia industry until recently, Trafigura claims. 

The transfer demonstrates that ammonia bunkering will be possible in the future, said Andrea Olivi, Trafigura’s head of wet freight.

In May, Trafigura placed an order for four gas carriers that will be capable of running on ammonia upon delivery. They are being built by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and the first is slated for delivery in 2027.

By Manjula Nair

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