KEY POINTS
- Sumitomo wins grant to develop ammonia fuel in Singapore.
- The company plans 2027 ammonia bunkering trials.
- Singapore aims to lead global low-carbon shipping innovation.
Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp. said it has been awarded a Singapore government grant to advance research on ammonia as an alternative marine fuel, in a move aimed at helping the shipping industry cut emissions.
Singapore backs ammonia fuel development
The grant, provided through Singapore’s Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT Fund), will support research and development to improve the safety and efficiency of ammonia bunkering at the Port of Singapore, the world’s largest refueling hub. Sumitomo announced the award on Monday, noting that details of the funding were not disclosed.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), which oversees the initiative, has not yet commented publicly on the grant. The project highlights Singapore’s growing focus on clean marine fuels as it seeks to position itself as a regional leader in low-carbon shipping infrastructure.
Ammonia, which can be produced using renewable energy, is gaining traction as a potential marine fuel because it emits no carbon dioxide when burned. However, it presents handling and storage challenges due to its toxicity and volatility. Cost competitiveness also remains a hurdle for large-scale commercial deployment.
Sumitomo’s 2027 ammonia bunkering plan
Sumitomo said it plans to conduct a demonstration of ammonia bunkering in Singapore by 2027, working closely with the MPA to create operational safety protocols, emergency procedures, and handling guidelines. The company views the project as part of its broader commitment to decarbonization and energy transformation, areas it identifies as central to its long-term growth strategy.
Separately, a consortium led by Keppel Ltd., and including Sumitomo and Advario Asia Pacific, has been chosen by Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the MPA to proceed to the next phase of a joint study on low- or zero-carbon ammonia solutions on Jurong Island. The initiative will explore ammonia’s role in both power generation and marine bunkering, advancing Singapore’s goal of becoming a global clean energy hub.
Sumitomo said these combined efforts will contribute to decarbonising the shipping industry while supporting the company’s transition toward cleaner energy systems. The initiative reflects a broader regional race to develop scalable low-emission fuels capable of transforming the maritime sector’s carbon footprint.
