Ammonia Safety Training
TasRex in collaboration with the University of Tasmania’s (UTas) Australian Maritime College (AMC) and CSIRO-Energy has secured major funding from the Australia-Singapore Low-Emissions Technologies (ASLET) fund to develop a critical new training program: the Ammonia Safety Training Program for Maritime and Port Operations.
Ammonia is emerging as a critical alternative fuel for the maritime industry, particularly for long-term decarbonisation goals.
While challenges remain, ammonia’s potential for zero or near-zero carbon emissions and for using existing infrastructure for its production and transportation make it a strong contender for the future of shipping.
As the maritime industry strives to embrace cleaner fuels, training on alternative energy sources like ammonia becomes paramount.
However, ammonia is toxic and requires careful handling and emergency preparedness. Without specialised training, the risks to workers, vessels and port operations are considerable.
To mitigate the safety risks of using ammonia as a maritime fuel, the project is designing, developing and piloting a specialised training program for maritime and port professionals.
This training will not only enhance safety protocols but also accelerates the sector’s transition towards a greener future.
Delivering applied training for safer ammonia use
The training program builds on proven ammonia safety frameworks used in other industries, adapting them to suit the unique operational, technical and regulatory needs of the maritime sector.
The training is being developed through close industry consultation and scenario-based workshops to ensure it reflects real-world operational conditions in both Australia and Singapore. It includes:
- Practical, scenario-based modules tailored to maritime and port operations
- Hands-on training using specialised facilities, including live ammonia release exercises at the Australian Maritime College’s Bell Bay Fire Fighting Centre.
Left photo courtesy of John Mott, taken at the AMC Fire Fighting Centre located at Bell Bay, during the 2-day workshop for the development of the Ammonia Safety Training Course.
Remaining photos courtesy of © Australian Maritime College – University of Tasmania.
**AMMONIA SAFETY TRAINING PILOT COURSE 2026**
TasRex was pleased to participate in the 5-day Ammonia Safety Training Pilot Course conducted from 22–26 June 2026 at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) Launceston Campus and the AMC Firefighting Centre at Bell Bay, Tasmania. The course brought together 26 participants across two streams – Maritime Operations and Port Operations. (View the Full Course Brochure)
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to observe and participate in live ammonia release exercises at AMC’s Bell Bay Firefighting Centre. These practical exercises allow participants to experience the behaviour of ammonia in a controlled environment and develop a deeper understanding of hazard recognition, monitoring, emergency response, incident command, and risk mitigation.
Facilities capable of undertaking this type of training are uncommon, as they require specialised infrastructure, large exclusion zones, environmental controls, regulatory approvals, and trained emergency response personnel to safely manage the risks associated with ammonia releases. The result is a highly realistic training experience that cannot easily be replicated in many locations.
TasRex is proud to have contributed to this important initiative and to have gained valuable knowledge and industry connections through collaboration with AMC, CSIRO, ASTI, and other industry partners.
As global interest continues to grow in the safe adoption of green ammonia across the maritime sector, we look forward to strengthening these relationships and supporting the development of industry capability.
For enquiries regarding future ammonia safety training programs, please contact:
Dr Doupadi Bandara at AMC: doupadi.herath@utas.edu.au
