The maritime industry stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward decarbonization, with ammonia emerging as a leading alternative fuel solution. As global shipping seeks to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the build-out of ammonia production, refueling, and bunkering infrastructure must be rapidly developed to support the industry transition to low-emissions fuels.
Global Infrastructure Development
The development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure is gaining momentum across key maritime hubs. Yamna, a UK-based green hydrogen investment company, is exploring five international ports as potential ammonia bunkering hubs, including Oman’s Port of Salalah, which already possesses existing ammonia export infrastructure. This strategic positioning leverages Salalah’s state-of-the-art gateway capabilities and its connection to major shipping routes.
The Port of Rotterdam has emerged as a clear leader in the ammonia maritime space. It has achieved a significant milestone by completing its first ammonia bunker pilot, successfully executing a ship-to-ship transfer of 800 m³ of liquid ammonia between vessels Oceanic Moon and Gas Utopia. This pilot elevates Rotterdam’s “Port Readiness Level” for new marine fuels to the deployment phase, demonstrating that safety procedures are in place for project-based ammonia bunkering operations.
Port of Rotterdam Bunkering Expansion and Investment Plan
Source: Ammonia Energy Association
Technological Advancements and Safety Measures
As a highly toxic substance that is hazardous to human health and marine ecosystems, safety is a key concern around the handling and transfer of ammonia. The technical aspects of ammonia bunkering are advancing rapidly, with several key developments ensuring safe and efficient operations. ClassNK has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fueled ammonia bunkering vessel developed by NYK Line and LMG Marin AS, featuring dual-fuel engines and specialized bunkering equipment designed for safe ammonia fuel transfer.
Example of Ammonia Storage Tank Design
Source: Proton Ventures
Training infrastructure is equally crucial for the industry’s transition. Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy has inaugurated a new LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid in Mumbai, providing hands-on training for safe and efficient fueling operations. This cutting-edge facility replicates real-world bunkering operations and offers essential education for maritime professionals working with alternative fuels.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Development
The ammonia bunkering ecosystem is strengthening through strategic partnerships across the value chain. AM Green has partnered with DP World to develop logistics and storage infrastructure for global export of green ammonia, including bunkering infrastructure across Dubai, India, and Southeast Asia. This collaboration aims to facilitate the movement of 1 million tons per year of green ammonia, a positive sign for global decarbonization efforts.
Similarly, AM Green and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a green energy supply chain enabling up to 1 million tons per year of green fuels trade between India and Northwestern Europe. This partnership represents a potential $1B trade opportunity between the two economies.
Vessel Development and Fleet Expansion
The shipping industry is responding to ammonia bunkering infrastructure development with dedicated vessel orders. Trafigura has contracted four medium-sized gas carriers featuring WinGD dual-fuel ammonia engines from HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in 2028. These 190-meter vessels will feature four 45,000 m³ cargo tanks capable of carrying various liquefied gas cargoes, including ammonia. Companies like Fortescue are engaging across the ammonia value chain, investing in green ammonia production, infrastructure, and ammonia-capable vessels. According to the DNV, 27 ammonia capable vessels were ordered in 2024, a significant increase from 2023, which saw only 8 ammonia vessels ordered.
Digital Solutions and Operational Efficiency
The integration of digital platforms is enhancing ammonia bunkering operations. Norwegian bunkering company Azane Fuel Solutions has partnered with Ofiniti to support its ammonia bunkering expansion across Scandinavia using advanced digital platforms. These technological solutions are crucial for managing the complexities of ammonia handling and ensuring operational safety.
Looking Forward
Four key enablers must align for successful ammonia bunkering adoption:
- Cost-competitive production of green ammonia
- Advancement of ammonia-powered engine technology
- Adaptation of infrastructure for safe transport and storage
The ammonia bunkering industry is positioned for significant growth, driven by International Maritime Organization regulations and European Union mandates for low-emission fuels. As infrastructure develops and safety protocols mature, ammonia bunkering will play an increasingly vital role in maritime decarbonization, offering a pathway toward the industry’s ambitious 2050 net-zero emissions target.
As technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and regulatory support converge, the expansion of ammonia bunkering capacity will hopefully contribute to breaking the chicken-and-egg dynamic (lack of production and infrastructure limiting demand, lack of demand in turn stalling investment in production and infrastructure) currently barring the uptake of ammonia and other alternative fuels.