NYK Line, Golden Island, and Yara Clean Ammonia have formed a strategic partnership to develop ammonia bunkering infrastructure in Singapore. Discover how this collaboration aims to scale zero-carbon marine fuel operations in the world’s largest bunkering hub.
Singapore | April 20, 2026 – In a move that signals a structural shift for the world’s largest bunkering hub, NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd., Golden Island Pte. Ltd., and Yara Clean Ammonia Norge AS have entered into a non-binding term sheet to jointly develop the marketing and supply of low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel.
This tripartite partnership represents a critical milestone in the maritime industry’s pursuit of Zero-or-Near-Zero (ZNZ) emission fuels. By combining specialized expertise in shipping operations, bunker logistics, and ammonia production, the trio aims to establish the “last-mile” ecosystem required to make ammonia a commercially viable fuel option in Singapore within this decade.
The Synergy of Experience
The strength of this partnership lies in the distinct, complementary expertise each entity brings to the table:
- NYK Line: Leveraging extensive experience from LNG bunkering operations and deep technical knowledge of ammonia-fueled vessel projects, NYK provides the perspective of a shipowner operating a global fleet of over 900 vessels.
- Golden Island: Bringing 40+ years of operational history in the Singaporean bunkering sector, Golden Island contributes a robust customer network and essential capabilities in complex bunker scheduling and supply chain coordination.
- Yara Clean Ammonia: As a global leader in the ammonia field, Yara brings unparalleled expertise in production, handling, and safety, the foundational requirements for scaling ammonia as a marine energy source.
A Shared Vision for Maritime Decarbonization
For the partners, this agreement is about more than just supply; it is about infrastructure and reliability.
“The NYK Group recognizes the transition to ZNZ marine fuels as a critical step towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” says Atsuya Nojiri, Managing Director of NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd. “Our primary objective is to establish the infrastructure required to safely accelerate the adoption and scaling of ammonia-fueled vessels through collaboration with experienced industry partners.”
Johnny Tan, Managing Director of Golden Island, emphasized the importance of the logistical backbone “With more than 40 years of experience, we look forward to contributing our operational capabilities and high safety standards. We have previously supported the industry through transitions to VLSFO, biofuels, and methanol; this is the next natural step in supporting Singapore’s development as a global hub for next-generation marine fuels.”
From a supply chain perspective, Murali Srinivasan, SVP Commercial at Yara Clean Ammonia, noted the strategic importance of the location “Together, we are developing a last-mile ecosystem that will make low-emission ammonia bunkering available safely and reliably. Singapore’s leadership in maritime decarbonization makes it a natural starting point for scaling ammonia bunkering globally.”
The Strategic Choice: Why Ammonia?
As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) pushes toward ambitious decarbonization targets, ammonia has emerged as a frontrunner for the 2030s. Because it emits no CO2 upon combustion, it offers a pathway to near-zero emissions, provided the production process (blue or green ammonia) is sustainable.
Singapore, which commands approximately 20% of the global marine fuel demand, is positioning itself as the vanguard of this transition. By acting now, the partners are not merely responding to demand but are actively shaping the regulatory and operational framework that will govern ammonia bunkering for the next generation of shipping.
About the Partners
Golden Island
Founded in 1982, Golden Island has a history of pioneering fuel transitions in the world’s largest bunkering port. The company was the first supplier in Singapore to offer Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO 0.5%) in 2019, ahead of the IMO 2020 deadline. The firm continues to set the pace for the low-carbon transition, ensuring the safe, compliant, and scalable supply of methanol alongside conventional and biofuel products.
Yara Clean Ammonia
Yara Clean Ammonia, a subsidiary of Yara International ASA, is the world’s largest ammonia distributor, dedicated to unlocking clean ammonia value chains for energy, shipping, and industrial applications. The company operates the largest global ammonia network, with 15 ships and access to 18 ammonia terminals worldwide.
This collaboration between Yara Clean Ammonia and NYK marks a significant step forward in sustainable shipping, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to a cleaner and more efficient maritime future.
NYK Line
Established in 1885 in Japan, NYK Line, formally known as Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, has emerged as a global leader in the maritime industry over its 135-year history. Operating a diverse fleet, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, NYK serves over 800 locations worldwide, offering a comprehensive suite of shipping services.
NYK Line has earned recognition for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety, navigating the complexities of global logistics with diligence and foresight. This ongoing dedication underscores NYK’s pivotal role in shaping the future of ocean transport and reaffirms its status as a cornerstone of the maritime landscape.
Source: NYK | Yara | Golden Island