Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA), a trader and distributor of ammonia, has played a pivotal role in a landmark maritime decarbonization initiative led by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD). The successful completion of the first-ever ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia transfer at anchorage in Western Australia signals a major advancement in establishing ammonia as a safe, scalable marine fuel.
A Major Milestone for Zero-Emission Shipping
Conducted under the supervision of the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA), the STS transfer took place at Port Dampier’s anchorage, replicating real-world bunkering conditions. The trial demonstrated that offshore ammonia bunkering is not only feasible, but also safe and operationally sound.
Yara Clean Ammonia, as one of the initiative’s three core partners alongside GCMD and PPA, played an instrumental role in enabling the pilot by:
*Supplying the ammonia used in the transfer
*Chartering the Green Pioneer, one of two gas carriers involved in the operation
*Contributing technical expertise in safety, risk assessment, and emergency response planning
“This successful trial is a pivotal step towards building trust in ammonia as a zero-to-near-zero emission (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,” added Srinivasan.
Building on Global Safety Studies
The pilot builds on GCMD’s earlier ammonia bunkering safety studies in Singapore and confirms that STS ammonia transfers at anchorage can be both safe and scalable, provided appropriate controls and emergency procedures are in place. The trial simulated real bunkering conditions, offering invaluable real-world data. These insights and best practices will help shape global ammonia bunkering protocols in the years ahead.
Yara’s Pilbara Presence Powers Progress
Yara’s deep-rooted presence in the Pilbara uniquely positions the company to lead the development of zero-to-near-zero ammonia supply chains in the region. Yara operates an ammonia plant in Karratha with a capacity of 850,000 metric tonnes per annum. Approximately 70% of its output is exported via Port Dampier.
In addition, Yara is spearheading Project Yuri, a renewable ammonia production initiative slated to begin operations by 2026. The company is also pursuing other low-emission ammonia projects at its Yara Pilbara Fertilisers (YPF) site. These initiatives further strengthen its role in the clean energy transition.
“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 and Demand Aggregation at YCA. “We’re not just supplying ammonia—we’re helping shape the standards and infrastructure that will enable global maritime decarbonisation,” added Major.
Accelerating the Transition to Clean Marine Fuel
This first-of-its-kind pilot marks a major step forward for ammonia as a viable clean marine fuel. It addresses both safety concerns and operational logistics. Yara Clean Ammonia remains committed to collaborating with industry partners and regulators. It also focuses on sharing insights and shaping the future of low-carbon shipping. As per the press release, momentum is building around ammonia as a marine fuel. Yara continues to lead efforts to enable scalable, safe, and sustainable ammonia bunkering infrastructure. This work is laying the foundation for the next era of maritime energy.
