World's first ammonia-powered box ship project aims to launch in 2026

"We are happy to collaborate across sectors and show that decisive emissions cuts are possible. The green journey started with Yara Birkeland, the world’s first self-driving electric container ship, and now we continue it with Yara Eyde, which will be the world’s first container ship [run] on pure ammonia," Yara International chief executive Svein Tore Holsether said.

Yara Clean Ammonia will supply Yara Eyde with ammonia that is produced without fossil fuels, eliminating most carbon emissions. With additional Enova funding, Yara and Azane Fuel Solutions are developing a storage and bunkering network to make pure ammonia available in Norwegian and eventually Scandinavian ports. Yara Clean Ammonia is developing a pilot bunkering barge which will deliver clean ammonia to vessels, and the companies say the bunkering network can also contribute to achieving Norway’s goal of cutting emissions from the offshore sector.  

Yara Clean Ammonia chief executive Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand said, "Yara has chosen to participate in this project to show this segment can create additional growth for ammonia in the short term. Yara will contribute to developing this new market, but we will strategically use our funds to develop the production and logistics segment and not prioritise ownership in ships."

Yara Clean Ammonia has also recently agreed a deal to supply Höegh Autoliners with clean ammonia for a new class of a dozen pure car and truck carrier vessels. The 12 Aurora-class vessels will be the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever built, equipped to operate on zero-carbon ammonia and methanol. The vessels are set for delivery, at a rate of two vessels every six months, from the second half of 2024.

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