Yara Clean Ammonia is leading the way in transforming maritime fuel by championing the energy transition at sea. Through groundbreaking ammonia bunkering pilots and strategic partnerships, Yara is driving the shift toward zero-emission shipping and a sustainable future for global maritime trade.
Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA), the world’s largest trader and distributor of ammonia, has discussed its key role in a historic maritime decarbonization initiative, marking a pivotal moment for the future of zero-emission shipping fuels. In collaboration with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA), YCA contributed to the successful execution of the world’s first offshore ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of ammonia under real-world conditions.
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A First for the Maritime Industry: Offshore Ammonia Bunkering Trial
This landmark pilot was conducted within the anchorage of Port Dampier, one of Australia’s critical energy export hubs, simulating actual bunkering conditions. The initiative was conducted under the oversight of the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) and involved two key vessels: Navigator Global and Green Pioneer, the latter chartered by YCA.
With this operation, the project has demonstrated that ammonia bunkering via STS at anchorage is not only technically viable but also safe when managed with rigorous risk controls. The pilot serves as a tangible demonstration of how ammonia can serve as a zero-to-near-zero (ZNZ) emission fuel, offering an alternative to fossil fuels in maritime transport.
Yara Clean Ammonia’s Critical Role
Yara Clean Ammonia contributed to the pilot in three fundamental ways:
- Supplied the ammonia used for the STS transfer.
- Chartered the Green Pioneer, a modern gas carrier from MOL that served as the receiving vessel in the transfer.
- Led key technical and safety initiatives, contributing expert input to safety studies, quantitative risk assessments (QRAs), and emergency response planning.
“This successful trial is a pivotal step towards building trust in ammonia as a ZNZ maritime fuel,” said Murali Srinivasan, SVP Commercial at Yara Clean Ammonia. “It’s the result of world-class collaboration and careful planning—and it shows that with the right safeguards, ammonia bunkering is not only feasible but practical.”
Building on Global Safety Foundations
The pilot builds upon the findings from GCMD’s earlier ammonia bunkering safety study conducted in Singapore, and provides real-world validation of ammonia STS protocols. By integrating a robust operational framework and strong stakeholder collaboration, this trial sets the stage for scalable, safe bunkering solutions worldwide.
Yara’s Strategic Presence in the Pilbara
Yara Clean Ammonia is uniquely positioned to lead the transition to clean fuels in Western Australia. Yara operates a world-scale ammonia facility in Karratha, producing 850,000 metric tons per annum, with around 70% exported via Port Dampier. The company is also spearheading Project Yuri, a renewable ammonia initiative targeting startup in 2026, and actively exploring additional low-carbon and renewable ammonia production pathways through its Yara Pilbara Fertilisers (YPF) facility.
“With our strategic location, integrated logistics, and upcoming renewable and low-carbon ammonia production, Yara Clean Ammonia is well positioned to support future ammonia bunkering in the Pilbara,” said Tessa Major, VP Infrastructure Development & Demand Aggregation at YCA. “We’re not just supplying ammonia—we’re helping shape the standards and infrastructure that will enable global maritime decarbonization.”
Shaping the Future of Marine Fuel
The STS ammonia transfer pilot has produced valuable operational insights and best practices, which will inform both regulators and industry stakeholders as they define the next generation of bunkering protocols. Yara Clean Ammonia reaffirms its commitment to open collaboration, sharing of safety data, and transparent industry engagement to accelerate shipping’s transition to clean energy.
Vessel Coordination: The trial was executed with precision vessel coordination involving the Navigator Global, Green Pioneer, and supporting tugboat assets operating within anchorage zones—demonstrating real-time communication, marine handling, and emergency readiness in a controlled offshore environment.
About Yara Clean Ammonia
Yara Clean Ammonia is a global leader in ammonia distribution and plays a central role in enabling the hydrogen economy and decarbonized value chains. As the world’s largest ammonia distributor, YCA operates a global network of 15 ammonia vessels and, through its parent company Yara International, has access to 18 ammonia terminals and a robust footprint of ammonia production and usage facilities worldwide.
YCA aims to unlock the full potential of clean ammonia—green and blue—for applications ranging from shipping and power generation to sustainable agriculture and industrial solutions. In 2024, YCA reported revenues of USD 1.8 billion and EBITDA of USD 117 million. The company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
Source Yara Clean Ammonia