Burckhardt Compression has secured a major contract to supply its advanced Laby® Compressor technology for the world’s first purpose-built ammonia bunkering vessel, marking a significant step forward in the maritime sector’s shift to zero-carbon fuels. The project is being executed in partnership with Nissin Gas Engineering, a global specialist in liquefaction and refrigeration systems for gases such as LPG and ammonia.
The pioneering vessel—commissioned by Itochu Corporation along with its Singapore-based subsidiary Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping Pte. Ltd. (CABS)—is under construction at Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Scheduled for delivery in 2027, the 5,000 m³ vessel will be the first of its kind designed exclusively to supply ammonia as a marine fuel, supporting the build-out of global bunkering infrastructure crucial for decarbonizing shipping.
Burckhardt Compression’s Laby® Compressor will form a core part of the vessel’s fuel handling system, enabling safe and efficient transfer of ammonia during bunkering operations. The technology is known for its hermetically sealed, oil-free design that ensures zero leakage—an essential feature for handling toxic and corrosive gases like ammonia—while offering high reliability and operational safety.
“This order underscores our strong commitment to enabling the maritime energy transition. Our Laby® technology is ideally suited for the demanding requirements of ammonia service, combining decades of experience in cryogenic gas handling with cutting-edge safety and environmental performance,” the company said.
Andreas Brautsch, President of Burckhardt Compression’s Systems Division, added: “We are proud to contribute to this historic first for the industry. The successful operation of this ammonia bunkering vessel will help set the standards for future clean-fuel supply chains worldwide.”
The vessel is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of ammonia as a viable, scalable alternative fuel in global shipping.
