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Ammonia

Pilbara Ports and Yara Pilbara ink MoU on low-carbon ammonia bunkering hub

Both agree to work collaboratively on developing a training program in safe ammonia handling and in the planning of necessary bunkering infrastructure at Ports of Dampier and Port of Port Hedand.

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Pilbara Ports

Pilbara Ports on Thursday (5 March) said it has taken a step further towards development of a low-carbon ammonia bunkering hub in the Pilbara, including safe and efficient ammonia handling, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yara Pilbara.

The Yara Pilbara plant is one of the largest ammonia production facilities in the world, utilising world-class export infrastructure in the Port of Dampier.

The MoU advances the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Initiative through the two organisations agreeing to work collaboratively on government and stakeholder advocacy, developing a training program in safe ammonia handling, and in the planning of necessary fuelling infrastructure at the Ports of Dampier and Port of Port Hedand. 

Pilbara Ports Chief Executive Officer Samuel McSkimming, said: “We’re pleased to work alongside Yara Pilbara to promote the production of clean marine fuels in the Pilbara, and on ensuring WA plays a leading role in the global transition to low-emission shipping,” Mr McSkimming said. 

“The green iron corridor between the Pilbara and East Asia has the scale, stable demand, port infrastructure, and risk management experience to support the significant investment that maritime decarbonisation requires, while the Pilbara has the renewable energy resources, carbon capture and storage potential, and ammonia-based industry to lead in green fuel production.”

Currently, ships do not generally bunker in the Pilbara, instead taking on heavy fuel oil elsewhere for their entire outward-bound and return voyages.

Yara Pilbara Chief Operating Officer Laurent Trost said the company is committed to working with Pilbara Ports on decarbonising the shipping routes linking the Pilbara to established trading partners and emerging markets. 

“Our operations represent Australia’s largest ammonia plant, we are an established producer in the region and part of a parent company that is a global leader in the application of low-carbon ammonia,” Mr Trost said. 

“The vision of the Pilbara as a bunkering hub offers great promise and we are excited to be part of the push to make it happen.”

The Pilbara Ports and Yara Pilbara MOU marks another milestone in the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategic roadmap which involves significant industry collaboration. 

Launched last year, the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub outlines a strategic approach to establish a clean fuel bunkering hub in the region, enabling the use of alternative fuels such as ammonia. One successful bunkering trial has already taken place and another is set to occur in the Port of Port Hedland later this year.

The first of its type in Australia, the bunkering hub would support decarbonisation efforts across the shipping, resource and maritime sectors, in line with the State Government’s 2050 emissions reduction target. 

Pilbara Ports goal is for 100% of bulk export vessels departing the Pilbara to be powered by low carbon fuels, reinforcing its pivotal role in Australia’s iron ore trade and commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

Related: Pilbara Ports releases roadmap to establish Australia’s first clean fuel bunkering hub

 

Photo credit: Pilbara Ports
Published: 6 March, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

4.55 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025, according to MPA data.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port dropped by 6.8% on year in May 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.55 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,548,000 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt (4,878,100 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May (against on year) recorded respectively 1.79 million mt (-5.3% from 1.89 million mt), 2.29 million mt (-6.5% from 2.45 million mt), zero (-100% from 1,200 mt), 600 (35.2% from 1,700 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May, (against on year) recorded respectively 11,600 mt (-71.6% from 40,900 mt), 36,400 mt (-62.1% from 96,100 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 12,800 mt (+573.7% from 1,900 mt). 

LNG and methanol sales were 70,300 mt (+56.2% from 45,000 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

DNV says shipowners are adopting more varied fuel strategies, reflecting a growing emphasis on optionality, regulatory compliance and risk management in long-life vessel investments.

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DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of 36 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in May 2026.

Activity was primarily driven by LPG/ethane carriers, which accounted for 26 of the orders. A further eight LNG-fuelled vessels were ordered, including six container vessels and two car carriers, alongside two ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers.

So far in 2026, a total of 119 orders have been placed for alternative-fuelled vessels. Of these, LNG-fuelled vessels (60) account for the largest share of the orderbook, with the majority of these (42) coming from the container segment, and a smaller share (12) from car carriers.  

A further 50 orders have been placed for LPG/ethane carriers, while activity in other fuel types remains limited, with orders for methanol/ethanol (4), ammonia (4), and hydrogen (1).  

By the end of May, the share of alternative-fuelled vessels in total tonnage was notably lower than over the same period in 2025.

DNV data shows shift in alternative-fuelled vessel ordering patterns

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “While the pace of alternative-fuelled contracting has varied compared to 2025, the industry continues to move forward in its transition, with owners advancing fuel and technology decisions against a backdrop of evolving regulatory and market conditions.  

“As in previous years, ordering of alternative-fuelled vessels has been led by the container segment, but dynamics are shifting. While activity remains strong, the focus has moved towards smaller vessels, with fewer very large container ships, which are historically more likely to adopt alternative fuels, being ordered. At the same time, we are seeing increased activity in tanker and bulker segments.  

“What is also becoming clearer is that fuel choice is no longer approached as a single bet. Owners are increasingly treating it as a portfolio decision, managing fuel optionality, timing of investment, and exposure to future regulation as they navigate long-life asset decisions.

“This is reflected in more varied ordering patterns, reinforcing that the transition is not progressing in a straight line.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 5 June, 2026

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Shipping Corridor

Industry partners launch Brazil-Belgium e-fuel green shipping corridor initiative

A new consortium facilitated by the Global Maritime Forum and RMI will work to establish a green shipping corridor between the Port of Açu in Brazil and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.

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RESIZED william william on Unsplash

A new consortium facilitated by the Global Maritime Forum and RMI will work to establish a green shipping corridor between the Port of Açu in Brazil and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, according to Global Maritime Forum on Thursday (4 June). 

In addition to the port teams on both ends of the corridor, the consortium includes HIF Global, Fuella, NYK Line, Höegh Autoliners, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. 

The consortium will assess infrastructure, vessels, and business models to create a roadmap for transporting zero-carbon fuels produced in Açu, such as e-ammonia or e-methanol. The transport itself would also be powered by the same zero- or near-zero-emission fuels.

“We’re thrilled to be working with these partners to take these important steps towards Brazil’s e-fuel production and bunkering opportunity, whilst supporting the growing demand for e-fuels in Europe,” said Eleanor Wells, a senior project manager at the Global Maritime Forum.

The new consortium builds on a pre-feasibility study developed by RMI and the Global Maritime Forum in November 2025. 

The study highlighted the competitive projected costs of e-fuel produced in Açu, due to Brazilian policies supportive of green hydrogen production, the country’s largely renewable electricity grid, its abundance of renewable energy sources, and a relatively low cost of capital. A 2024 report from the same two organisations, Oceans of Opportunity, identified the Port of Açu as a high-potential e-fuel export hub.

Green shipping corridors are dedicated trade routes where the feasibility of zero-emission shipping is catalysed by public and private action. These routes are seen as central to delivering on the shipping industry’s goal of having zero-emission fuels account for 5% of all fuels by 2030. 

While green corridors have rapidly expanded in popularity worldwide, and a handful of initiatives have now reached the realisation stage, the most recent edition of the Annual Progress Report on Green Shipping Corridors warned that progress is being stalled by a ‘feasibility wall’ created by the cost gap between conventional and zero-emission fuels.

The Global Maritime Forum and RMI will continue to facilitate the realisation of the Açu-Antwerp green corridor, with work already moving at pace to progress beyond pre-feasibility and develop a feasibility analysis for the corridor. The feasibility analysis is expected to be published by the end of the year, with the consortium meeting regularly in the meantime.

 

Photo credit: william william on Unsplash
Published: 5 June, 2026

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