ABS approves ammonia FPSO with carbon capture

A new design for an ammonia floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit that features onboard carbon capture technology for blue ammonia production has received approval in principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The design comes from MODEC in collaboration with Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO). ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.

“Blue ammonia has significant potential to lower the emissions of offshore operations. ABS is able to harness its extensive experience offshore alongside its global leadership in the classification of FPSOs to support the development of this potentially game-changing technology,” said Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore.

Koichi Matsumiya, MODEC, Executive Officer, Group CTO, said, “We have explored how we can leverage our expertise in producing low-GHG ammonia, a potential alternative energy source to oil and gas in the global energy mix. However, this development has also made us aware of the significant challenges that need to be tackled to commercialise the concept.”