Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) played a key role in supporting a recent ammonia ship-to-ship transfer pilot, a collaboration between the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), Pilbara Ports, and Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA).
Conducted at the Port of Dampier in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, this groundbreaking operation marks a significant step toward establishing Pilbara as a green ammonia bunkering hub.
“By working closely with key stakeholders, we were able to apply our expertise in oil spill response and contingency planning to ensure safety and effective incident control. The success of this trial is a testament to strong partnerships and open communication, allowing us to overcome technical and operational challenges together throughout the project,” stated the CEO of OSRL, Vania De Stefani.
Furthermore, OSRL worked alongside industry leaders to develop an emergency response plan for ship-to-ship ammonia transfers. The two successful transfers, carried out under strict safety protocols, highlight a major advancement in positioning Pilbara as a hub for low-GHG emission shipping.
Overseen by Pilbara Ports and Australian Government agencies, these operations adhered to rigorous safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
OSRL’s expertise was vital in creating tailored emergency response procedures for the unique risks associated with ammonia transfers. This led to the development of a Pilbara-specific draft Emergency Response Plan (ERP), in collaboration with BlueTack and Stream Marine Technical.
Moreover, key safety measures such as emergency release couplings, emergency shutdown systems, and purging procedures were implemented to reduce risks. OSRL’s deep knowledge of spill management was crucial to the operation’s success, including the recommendation to deploy an ex-AMSA firefighting tug on standby for emergencies.
Authorities like the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Department of Transport (DoT), and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) reviewed these procedures, ensuring a coordinated response strategy.
According to a statement, the success of these ammonia transfers not only demonstrates the operational feasibility of ammonia bunkering but also lays a foundation for future low-emission maritime activities in the Pilbara and beyond. OSRL’s contribution to this trial strengthens its commitment to supporting environmentally responsible shipping solutions, particularly as the global shipping industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint.
