Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement to Manage World’s First Ammonia Bunkering Vessel Set for 2027

German ship manager Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) will provide technical services for a 5 000 cbm vessel scheduled for delivery in 2027. This vessel is set to be the world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel, following a contract with Itochu Corporation for its construction in June.

The 5 000 cbm capacity vessel will operate within the Singapore bunkering hub. Nick Topham, Managing Director of BSM Germany, described this as a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration with Itochu.

Since 2022, BSM Germany has actively participated in Itochu‘s working groups to help develop a global ammonia supply chain infrastructure, leveraging their extensive experience in both transporting ammonia and in cryogenic bunkering.

This vessel is part of broader maritime decarbonization efforts, aiming to reduce CO₂-equivalent emissions by up to 90 % compared to traditional gas oil engines. BSM is enhancing its expertise to effectively manage ammonia bunkering vessels and future ammonia-fueled ships, with operational procedures being implemented to prepare staff for ammonia-related challenges.

Ammonia training courses are already being conducted at BSM’s Maritime Training Centres to educate personnel on new fuels and technologies. Additionally, an ammonia bunkering simulator will be introduced at the MTC in Kochi in the second quarter of 2026 to train seafarers for low-carbon operations.