EPS, MAN ES team up on ammonia training development

June 4, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

Singapore-based ship management company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the development of crew training for the handling of ammonia as fuel on vessels.

As informed, the MoU was inked at Posidonia 2024 International Shipping Exhibition in Piraeus, Greece.

The MoU will enable EPS to be trained alongside MAN Energy Solutions’ engineers on the safe handling of ammonia for its dual-fuel engines.

The companies will also develop training material to strengthen capability building on the transportation of alternative fuels like ammonia over time.

Both signatories are committed to improve this process working alongside classification societies and regulators.

“This MoU not only underscores the significance of our partnership with MAN Energy Solutions as we pioneer the industry’s green transformation, it also complements our recent commitment to collaborate with stakeholders like the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, to create the right environment for the safe transportation of alternative fuels like ammonia. It will enable us to address challenges more holistically to develop tailored training that will enhance crew safety and strengthen environmental aspects as we decarbonise the global shipping industry safely,” Cyril Ducau, CEO of EPS, said.

Bjarne Foldager, Country Manager, Denmark for MAN Energy Solutions, added that the training that EPS personnel will receive will cover a range of innovations and safety measures that MAN ES incorporated into the ammonia engine design to ensure safe and reliable operation at sea.

EPS is also working with MAN Energy Solutions to enable the delivery of MAN B&W dual-fuel ammonia engines for a number of very large ammonia carriers and Newcastlemax bulkers.

EPS recently revealed that it signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and classification societies ABS and Lloyd’s Register (LR), committing six of its ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to be registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) upon delivery.