Navigator Holdings Ltd., known as Navigator Gas, has successfully completed its first ship-to-ship transfer of anhydrous ammonia, marking a significant milestone for the company.
The operation took place on Tuesday, April 3, 2024, in the Port of Ngqura, South Africa. The NAVIGATOR JORF, a 38,000 cbm liquefied petroleum gas carrier, received 25,300 metric tonnes of ammonia from the LPG tanker ECO ORACLE during an eleven-hour operation.
This achievement demonstrates Navigator Gas’s capability to handle ammonia, which is considered a potential alternative fuel source for zero-emissions shipping. The company is recognized as the owner and operator of the world’s largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers and is a key player in the seaborne transportation services of various petrochemical gases.
Captain Vitaly Kostyuk, Master of NAVIGATOR JORF, emphasized the operation’s adherence to safety and risk management procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations and port authority requirements.
Mads Peter Zacho, Chief Executive Officer of Navigator Gas, expressed that the successful transfer underscores the practical feasibility of ammonia bunkering. He also highlighted the company’s goal to leverage its ammonia experience in collaborative projects aimed at transitioning from fossil to carbon-free fuels.
Navigator Gas’s fleet comprises 56 semi- or fully-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers, with 25 capable of handling ethylene and ethane. The company also holds a 50% share in an ethylene export marine terminal in Morgan’s Point, Texas, enhancing its role in the liquefied gas supply chain.