Yara, Singapore MPA join ammonia shipping group: Update

Adds details and context

Singapore's state-owned Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and Norway-based fertilizer producer Yara have joined a group of shipping and technology companies that are planning to develop ammonia-powered tankers to help cut carbon emissions from the maritime sector.

The coalition, which also includes Malaysia-based shipowner MISC, South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries, classification society Lloyd's Register and Germany-based engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions, was formed in January last year. It has now been renamed the Castor Initiative, the partners said.

Yara will work with the original coalition members to develop ammonia-powered vessels, while the group will tap MPA's role as port operator in the major bunkering hub, flag state and research centre of Singapore. The addition of the two new members means the alliance now has representation from all parts of the maritime ecosystem, the group said.

Zero-carbon vessels need to enter the global fleet by 2030 if the International Maritime Organization's goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 levels by 2050 is to be met. Multiple decarbonisation initiatives, not just ammonia fuel, will be needed in the shipping industry, the group said.

"Decarbonisation remains a key priority for the maritime sector, not just in Singapore but globally," MPA chief executive Quah Ley Hoon said. "We are… looking forward to collaborating with like-minded industry partners to support the development and trials of alternative future marine fuels such as ammonia."

Ammonia produces almost no CO2 emissions when sourced renewably, is widely available globally and is well established in terms of storage and transport. But it has a much lower energy density relative to conventional bunker fuels.

Shipping company AP Moller-Maersk, the world's largest container liner firm, yesterday announced plans to establish Europe's largest green ammonia production facility on Denmark's west coast.

Maersk also announced plans to have its first carbon-neutral vessel on the water by 2023. Ammonia, methanol and alcohol-lignin blends are its future marine fuels of choice, the company said.

By Kevin Foster and Sammy Six