Trafigura completes first ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia

Trafigura a market leader in the global commodities industry, has successfully completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of ammonia, close to the port of Ceuta in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Approximately 6,000 tonnes of ammonia (NH3), supplied by CF Industries from their Donaldsonville, Louisiana-based manufacturing complex, was safely transferred between the Green Power Medium Gas Carrier (MGC), owned by ship owner/operator Purus on time charter to Trafigura, and small gas carrier the Gas Aegean. The shipment will be received by Fertiberia for the production of fertilizer.

The STS operation was conducted by International Fender Provider (IFP) in line with current regulations, with Next Maritime acting as agent. STS transfers are commonly used for other commodities to load cargo onto more suitable vessels for delivery to the destination, however until recently have not been widely adopted by the ammonia industry.

“Our first safe and efficient ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia supports our growing ammonia trading activity. Importantly, it demonstrates the feasibility of ammonia bunkering in the future as demand grows for the hydrogen-based low carbon fuels that will enable the shipping industry to decarbonise,” says Andrea Olivi, Head of Wet Freight for Trafigura.