ABS has granted approval in principle (AIP) to SBM Offshore for its pioneering Blue Ammonia floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) concept, advancing offshore gas conversion and decarbonized fuel production.
Image: SBM Offshore
The design enables the transformation of offshore natural gas into ammonia, with integrated carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce emissions. The ammonia will serve multiple markets, including power generation, maritime transportation, and the broader global ammonia industry.
“Rapid innovation is underway around ammonia as an alternative fuel, whether as a hydrogen carrier or as a fuel in its own right,” said Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore. “ABS is proud to work with SBM Offshore on this project, bringing our insight into ammonia safety challenges and extensive FPSO expertise.”
SBM Offshore said the concept represents a milestone in its TRUE. BLUE. TRANSITION strategy, which leverages its ocean infrastructure expertise to deliver low-carbon solutions for the energy transition. “The Blue Ammonia FPSO marks a pivotal moment in SBM Offshore’s journey to decarbonize and diversify,” said Olivier Icyk, SBM Offshore Chief Business Officer. “It opens new markets in the blue economy and delivers sustainable value.”
Ammonia has emerged as a leading candidate in the push for alternative fuels, with applications ranging from energy storage to shipping decarbonization. By integrating CCS, SBM’s FPSO design addresses a major hurdle in scaling ammonia production as a low-carbon energy source.
The approval adds momentum to SBM Offshore’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. ABS confirmed the design met both class and statutory requirements following detailed reviews. The project also reflects growing industry interest in offshore ammonia production as a way to diversify energy supply chains while meeting carbon reduction targets.
With this approval, SBM Offshore positions itself at the forefront of FPSO innovation, expanding beyond traditional oil and gas production toward decarbonized offshore energy solutions.
