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Yara on track in making ammonia available as bunker fuel to meet IMO emissions targets

Grey ammonia is already being traded as a cargo and using it as a bunker fuel is only a question of certification, says Director at Yara Clean Ammonia.
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Norwegian firm Yara International ASA, a producer of nitrogen fertiliser, nitrates, ammonia, urea and other nitrogen-based chemicals, on Wednesday (27 April) said it challenges conventional industry wisdom that availability is one of the biggest barriers to adoption of ammonia as an alternative fuel to meet IMO emissions targets. 

“There are today 130 ports globally that have ammonia infrastructure, so grey ammonia is already being traded as a cargo and using it as fuel is only a question of certification. We are well on the way to making it available as a fuel,” said Yara Clean Ammonia’s (YCA) director for bunkering market development Christian Berg at a recent Immediasea webinar focusing on fuel flexibility, hosted by Blue-C with Fathom World.

Yara has mainly produced grey ammonia made from natural gas in recent years but is now pursuing several projects for production of blue ammonia – in which CO2 is captured and stored – and green ammonia that is produced with water using electrolysis.

The Norwegian company originally started producing green ammonia, which is essentially carbon-free, way back in 1927 but shifted to grey ammonia in the 1990s due to the availability of cheap gas before CO2 emissions became a big issue. Yara now produces 8.5 million tonnes of ammonia annually at 17 plants.

First terminal

YCA is part of a consortium that is developing a first ammonia terminal in Norway set to be operational in 2024, backed by funding of Nkr89 million from the country’s so-called Green Platform, and Berg says it has “a global perspective” for development of a wider bunkering network.

The bunkering infrastructure technology is being developed by Azane Fuel Solutions, a joint venture between Amon Maritime and Econnect Energy that are both partners in the consortium for the so-called Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network project.

The Yara unit is also set to deliver green ammonia for the ShipFC project involving the world’s first vessel to use ammonia fuel cells and for another with Viridis Bulk Carriers that involves a partnership between seven cargo owners.

Berg sees the first ammonia-fuelled vessels being on the water in 2024 or 2025 given current tests that are ongoing by engine manufacturers for use of the fuel. And he does not rule out that ammonia could soon compete with LNG as the low-carbon alternative fuel of choice.

Ammonia, together with hydrogen, biofuels and e-fuels, are ranked by DNV as having the strongest green credentials as they can reduce emissions by between 80% and 100%. But there are also barriers to adoption in terms of availability, cost and maturity of technology.

DNV’s regional business development manager Anders Mikkelsen told the Immediasea panel “the fuel landscape is highly uncertain” as key future fuel technologies will not be available for another four to eight years so “shipowners need to be prepared for several fuel alternatives”.

Collaboration factor

Given the IMO’s demand for increasing reductions in emissions over the coming years, this makes it difficult for shipowners to select the right fuel option at the newbuilding stage to ensure the vessel is future-proof in terms of compliance, he said.

“Basic preparation at the ship design and newbuild stages is therefore important to buy time to allow for flexibility down the line when there is more clarity on price, availability, quality and capacity of future fuels.

“The key is to correctly assess the technology, fuel production and supply infrastructure to stay under the carbon reduction trajectory.

“And in the context of fuel flexibility, collaboration is vital both between shipowners and manufacturers as well as fuel suppliers, which enables more confident decision-making. Those who choose the path of collaboration are farthest along on their decarbonisation journey.”

Höegh Autoliners is among shipowners taking a forward-thinking approach by pursuing multi-fuel newbuilds, having recently ordered an initial four of what will be the world’s largest PCTCs (pure car and truck carriers), with options for eight similar vessels, at China Merchants Heavy Industry.

Design effort

The Deltamarin-designed Aurora-class vessels with capacity of 9100-ceu, set for delivery in 2024 and 2025, will be capable of running on liquid fuels, LNG and biofuels, and will also be the first newbuilds with DNV’s ammonia- and methanol-ready class notations.

The company envisages these vessels could be converted to ammonia or other net-zero fuels in the 2025-to-2030 timeframe.

Höegh chief executive Andreas Enger characterised these as “a definitive step” towards the company’s goal of reaching net zero emissions from its fleet of deepsea car carriers by 2040. It has already cut emissions per CEU nautical mile by 37% since 2008 and has a current carbon intensity 10% lower than average for its segment.

“We have put a lot of effort into the design of these vessels to build strong conventional economics, with high capacity and strengthened decks for heavier electric vehicles, as well as fuel flexibility. Given the age profile of these vessels, this is well-fitted to where the world is going,” he said.

Decarbonisation payback

Deltamarin’s sales & marketing director Esa Jokioinen said shipowners would be well-advised to consider at the newbuilding design stage multiple factors – such as operational profile, trade route, cargo type, current and future regulations, and fuel availability – to optimise the hull, layout and engine selection.

Designing with fuel flexibility so a vessel can easily be converted for alternative fuels as these become available is also key to future-proofing a newbuild investment, according to Jokioinen.

“Looking at the different requirements in the beginning and investing in the best design usually gives the best payback for any decarbonisation action,” he said.

But the days when shipowners could choose a simple commoditised fuel solution for their vessels are apparently long gone. “There is no silver bullet, though everyone is still hoping for it,” he said.

Related: Ammonia producer Yara International joins SGMF, becomes member of the Board of Directors 

 

Photo credit: Yara International ASA
Published: 5 May, 2022

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Alternative Fuels

TMD Energy and Double Corporate to negotiate on bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions deal

TMD Energy and bioenergy firm Double Corporate entered into a MoA to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets.

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Malaysia- and Singapore-based marine fuel bunkering services provider TMD Energy Limited (TMDEL) on Wednesday (18 June) announced the company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets. 

The company said this collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive negotiations to formalise partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

On 21 April, TMDEL, a 65.08%-owned subsidiary of Straits Energy Resources, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange American (NYSE American).

TMDEL and its subsidiaries (TMDEL Group) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulphur fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil and very low sulphur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. 

TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering services.

Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specialising in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. 

Double Corporate has a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel (SMF) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the company, said: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritise finalising definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

 

Photo credit: TMD Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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Singapore-based Proteus Energy introduces hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime sector

Company has partnered with hydrogen fuel cell company Symbio France to develop the Proteus Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels.
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Singapore-headquartered clean energy provider Proteus Energy on Wednesday (18 June) has developed the Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels. 

The first offering is the Proteus®75. Each fuel cell stack is 75 kW output, and these can be combined for larger power requirements. The vessel types being targeted are harbour craft, and vessels in the coastal, offshore support, and in-land waterway segments.

The technology has been developed in partnership with Symbio France, a world leading hydrogen fuel cell company with over 30 years track record. Symbio is jointly owned by global industrial groups Michelin, Stellantis, and Forvia.

“The maritime industry needs viable clean energy solutions today,” said Dr Lars Gruenitz, CEO of Proteus Energy. “We are providing a high energy density solution that is compact and lightweight, which is critical for vessels where space and weight considerations are imperative. This best-in-class system is the logical and most cost-effective choice to help operators make a quantum leap in their decarbonisation efforts”.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution can be delivered as a modular powerpack or customised and fitted into vessels.

Proteus’ fuel cell technology also complements electric propulsion and offers a powerful solution for hybrid vessels by extending their range and easing the load on batteries, thus improving space efficiency and vessel performance.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution will be backed by a two-year performance guarantee from Symbio France.

Symbio’s systems have already logged millions of kilometers powering cars, buses and commercial trucks across Europe. Now, that same rigorous, road-tested performance is being deployed at sea with added protections for marine operating conditions.

The fuel cell stacks are produced at Symbio’s gigafactory in Lyon, France, using robotic assembly systems capable of producing thousands of units annually.

This high-throughput capability ensures that Proteus can meet rising demand without sacrificing quality – something only established and proven hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers can claim.

What also sets Proteus apart is its ability to bring economies of scale, continuous R&D, and tried and tested reliability from land transport into the marine environment. 

To provide a convenient fuel storage option, Proteus also offers high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks developed with its partner Forvia, a major global components and technology company. The DNV type-approved tanks, which are already available for delivery, offer a safe and easy way to store hydrogen onboard vessels and will be produced on an industrial scale.

In addition, Proteus works with port operators to provide them with customised refueling solutions and infrastructure.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution is expected to be available for delivery beginning January 2026, with type approval from DNV anticipated before the end of this year. Proteus is ready to work with customers now.

 

Photo credit: Proteus Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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DNV awards AiP to SeaTech Solutions for new ammonia bunkering vessel design

Vessel is specifically designed to deliver low-carbon ammonia to ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers at the Port of Dampier and can supply up to 9,000cbm of fuel.
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DNV awards AiP to SeaTech Solutions for new ammonia bunkering vessel design

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (18 June) said it has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International (SeaTech) in collaboration with Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) for the design of a new 10,000cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. 

This AiP builds on a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DNV, SeaTech, and Oceania, initiated at Singapore Maritime Week and signed in April this year.

Located in the Pilbara region, home to the world’s largest bulk export port, the Port of Dampier is emerging as a potential hub for low-carbon ammonia bunkering.

Driven by a rising demand for low- and zero-carbon shipping fuels from the region’s mining and export industries, the port has built considerable experience in dealing with ammonia cargoes and vessels and is developing a strategy to facilitate ammonia bunkering operations. This includes the successful completion of its first ship-to-ship pilot bunkering transfer in September 2024. 

Measuring 130-metres, the ammonia bunkering vessel is specifically designed to deliver low-carbon ammonia to ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers at the Port of Dampier. It can supply up to 9,000cbm of fuel, sufficient to support two round-trips of iron ore shipment between Australia and North Asia. The vessel’s optimized arrangement and advanced containment systems enable efficient ship-to-ship transfers while ensuring the safe handling of ammonia as both a cargo and marine fuel.

Nick Bentley, Managing Director at Oceania Marine Energy, said: “Oceania is proud to have worked in tandem with DNV and SeaTech to deliver a flagship, low-emissions marine fuel solution at the heart of Australia’s heaviest resource export hub. The completion of this MOU and Approval in Principle (AiP) award by DNV for our 10,000m³ clean ammonia bunker vessel marks a major milestone in developing the supply and bunker operation foundations for the low-carbon shipping Pilbara–Asia green-corridor.

“This initiative reinforces Oceania’s commitment to deliver 1 million tonnes of clean marine fuel by 2030 and positions Dampier in Western Australia as a future leader, enabling the shipping industry’s transition to near net-zero marine fuel.”

Prabjot Singh Chopra, Vice President of Technology at SeaTech Solutions, said: “We are proud to work alongside Oceania and DNV to bring this innovative ammonia bunkering vessel design to life. As part of the maritime industry’s multi-fuel transition to low- and zero-carbon energy, ammonia stands out as a viable option for long-haul shipping—and enabling its safe and efficient delivery is critical.”

“Our vessel design incorporates a high level of automation and smart control systems to ensure safe handling of ammonia, enhancing both crew safety and operational reliability during ship-to-ship transfers. This Approval in Principle marks a key milestone, not just for the vessel, but for the broader ecosystem that must be in place to support ammonia bunkering. With Dampier emerging as a green marine fuel hub, and with SeaTech (Australia) actively engaged in supporting decarbonisation initiatives aligned with Australia’s net zero ambitions, we bring a strong track record and deep expertise to deliver practical, scalable solutions that enable the decarbonisation of global shipping.”

Antony M Dsouza, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, added: “Scaling up production and bunkering infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges in the maritime energy transition, and will be vital to the adoption of alternative fuels at scale.”

“This AiP is another step in realizing operationally ready bunkering capabilities and strengthening industry confidence in the potential of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for shipping. At DNV, we’re proud to support forward-thinking partners like SeaTech and Oceania with the trusted technical assurance and deep expertise needed to realize the industry’s decarbonization ambitions.”

DNV has a long history of working on initiatives to support the development and uptake of ammonia as a marine fuel, including a recent ammonia bunkering safety study for the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), which was utilized in the ship-to-ship ammonia transfer pilot at the Port of Dampier.

Related: GCMD: STS ammonia transfers pave way for ammonia bunkering in Pilbara region

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 19 June, 2025

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