Norway, May 10, 2025: Yara Clean Ammonia, the leading ammonia shipper globally, has partnered with DNV and industry stakeholders to establish new safety standards for ammonia-fueled vessels. This collaboration has produced a Recommended Practice (RP) that provides unified guidelines for safe operations, crew training, and risk management at sea. As ammonia emerges as a key zero-carbon marine fuel in the shipping industry’s push towards net-zero emissions, ensuring safe operations is critical.
Low-emission ammonia, produced with significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, is essential for decarbonizing industries like shipping. However, its unique chemical properties necessitate strict handling protocols. Laurent Ruhlmann of Yara emphasizes that “ammonia deserves respect, not fear,” highlighting the importance of understanding safety measures. The RP developed with input from Yara aims to address the competence gap in ammonia-specific crew training, which has not kept pace with the increasing number of ammonia-fueled vessels.
With global demand for ammonia fuel potentially doubling by 2050, structured protocols and trained crews are vital for safe scaling. DNV’s RP serves as a roadmap for training institutions and regulators, promoting standardized ammonia competence. A shift towards a risk-based approach is essential for ensuring safety in ship design and operations, with tailored protocols and scenario-based training being critical for effective risk management.
