LNG History
Why LNG History Matters Now
The LNG transition was not driven by a single breakthrough. It evolved through parallel developments:
- Gradual build-up of bunkering infrastructure
- Maturing dual-fuel engine technology
- Regulatory clarification
- Increasing owner confidence through early adopters
A critical enabler was the emergence of the LNG bunker vessel, enabling LNG to move from theory to operational reality.
At FKAB, we were directly involved in this transition:
- Early knowledge build-up
- Conversion of Fure West (2015)
- Development of the Vinga series (20+ LNG-fuelled tankers)
- Several more LNG fueled designs for owners in different vessel segments have followed
- Design of Coralius, the world’s first LNG bunker vessel
- Ongoing design of the next-generation bunker vessel Celsius
This experience provides a strong foundation for evaluating today’s alternative marine fuels.
Ammonia Faces
Why Ammonia Faces Similar Barriers
Ammonia is now emerging as a leading candidate for maritime decarbonisation, but the challenges closely mirror those LNG once faced:
- Limited production of green fuel
- Lack of bunkering infrastructure
- Evolving regulations, including emissions such as nitrous oxide
- Safety considerations due to toxicity
- Limited operational experience with ammonia-fuelled ships
- Impact on ship design due to tank size and system integration
- Uncertain commercial case and fuel pricing
The pattern is familiar. However, ammonia introduces additional complexity, particularly in safety and system integration.
Can Learn from the LNG Transition
What Shipping Companies Can Learn from the LNG Transition
Based on our experience, several key lessons stand out:
1. Infrastructure drives adoption
Fuel availability is often the real bottleneck. The development of bunker vessels and supply chains will largely determine how quickly ammonia can scale.
2. Early design decisions matter
Retrofitting for new fuels is significantly more complex than integrating them from the outset. Space reservation, tank location and safety zones should be considered early, even if ammonia is not installed initially.
3. System integration is often underestimated
Alternative fuels are not just a machinery change. They impact cargo systems, vessel layout, safety philosophy and operations. Successful projects treat fuel choice as a whole-ship design challenge
4. Early movers shape the market
Owners who engaged early in LNG gained operational experience, supplier relationships and competitive advantages. The same pattern is likely to apply to ammonia.
Evaluate
What Shipowners Should Evaluate Today
For shipowners considering ammonia-fuelled ships, the following questions are critical:
- Fleet strategy: Newbuild vs retrofit readiness
- Bunkering dependency: Where and how will fuel be available?
- Operational profile: Does ammonia fit the vessel’s trading pattern?
- Crew readiness: What training and procedures will be required?
- Risk timing: When is the right moment to commit versus prepare?
At FKAB, we would raise a clear flag: the impact of safety integration and onboard system complexity is often underestimated when evaluating ammonia.
FKAB’s Perspective
FKAB’s Perspective on What Comes Next
We are already actively engaged in ammonia-related ship design, including:
- Ammonia carriers
- Ammonia-fuelled vessels
- Development of ammonia bunker vessels
FKAB is currently involved in designing what will become the world’s first ammonia bunker vessel through the conversion of an existing ammonia carrier, with delivery expected in 2026. In parallel, we are also developing a newbuild ammonia bunker vessel design due for construction in China.
Based on our experience, we believe:
- Bunkering infrastructure will again be a key enabler
- Safety and system integration will be more complex than for LNG
- Adoption will be gradual, driven by specific trades and early adopters
History
So, Is History Repeating Itself?
Not exactly.
But the pattern is clear.
The companies that succeed will not necessarily be those who wait for certainty.
They will be those who prepare early, understand the full system impact, and position their vessels for the fuels of tomorrow.
And as with LNG, the ships that enable the transition may not be the ones that burn the fuel, but the ones that supply it.
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