Vopak explores new ammonia infrastructure in Singapore, the Netherlands

Expanding the Banyan terminal

Vopak Singapore will explore options to expand ammonia infrastructure at its Banyan terminal on Jurong Island, Singapore. A 10,000m³ refrigerated ammonia storage tank currently sits onsite, and could be joined by expanded storage capacity, as well as infrastructure for “full import and export capabilities”. A quantitative risk assessment study is underway, with FID to follow at an undisclosed date. In June this year, Vopak announced that it would invest €1 billion by 2030 into infrastructure developments for “new energies”, including low-carbon and renewable hydrogen & ammonia.

In line with Singapore’s ambition on net-zero carbon emissions, Vopak can leverage on our proven expertise of safely storing ammonia in Banyan. We have the right expertise and are at the right location to facilitate new supply chains for low carbon ammonia. We do see a strong potential in Singapore that supports the momentum of developing ammonia ready infrastructure ahead of other locations.

Vopak Terminals Singapore MD Rob Boudestijn in his organisation’s official press release, 25 Oct 2022

Since June 2020, Vopak and Japanese trading house Itochu have been studying the feasibility of infrastructure upgrades to the Banyan terminal. That study – which has the broader goal of establishing an ammonia maritime fuel supply chain in Singapore – was joined by TotalEnergies, Mitsui O.S.K. and LNG trader Pavilion Energy in May 2021. Vopak is also an industry partner in the larger, Itochu-led Joint Study into ammonia as a maritime fuel (discussed in our September episode of Maritime Ammonia Insights).

Preparing Vlissingen for ammonia imports

In the Netherlands, Vopak is currently converting two existing refrigerated LPG storage tanks (each with a capacity of 55,000m³) to store ammonia imports at the North Sea port. Vopak indicates that there is space available onsite for expanding storage and a cracking facility. Vlissingen will be connected to the Northwest European hydrogen pipeline network for distribution of imports, with the Dutch gas network operator Gasunie currently developing the Netherlands section.

Thanks to our existing infrastructure, we can offer customers a quick and economical solution. We also have room for new developments. Within Vopak we now have extensive experience with the safe storage of ammonia, a product in which additional safety precautions must be observed.

Vopak Terminal Vlissingen MD Alexander Fokker in his organisation’s official press release, 11 Oct 2022

Uniper and Vesta Terminals are also considering an ammonia import hub at Vlissingen. Starting with the refurbishment of 60,000m³ of existing refrigerated ammonia storage tank capacity at Vesta’s Flushing site, the future “Greenpoint Valley” hub will be able to handle imports of more than one million tonnes of ammonia per year.