Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia, highlights the growing significance of low-emission ammonia as a sustainable fuel for deep-sea shipping. As the world’s second-largest ammonia producer, Yara has a robust export network that positions it favorably in the clean ammonia market. Ammonia is often viewed as a promising solution for the maritime industry’s decarbonization, especially since it emits no CO₂ during combustion, making it more accessible and efficient than hydrogen.
Despite limited orders for ammonia-powered vessels, momentum is building. The number of dual-fuel ships has surged from 25 to 45 recently, as many traditional combustion engine technologies overlap with ammonia. Yara is proactively advancing its initiatives, having teamed up with Delphis and North Sea Container Line to create the first ammonia-powered container ship, the Yara Eyde, scheduled for delivery in 2026.
Raen emphasizes the need for infrastructure to support ammonia’s adoption, asserting that Yara is ready to meet market demands with plans for bunkering hubs across Europe, Asia, and North America. He underscores safety as a priority, with established training for handling ammonia. However, Raen calls for regulatory clarity to facilitate the transition, ensuring that using zero-emission fuels is economically viable for all stakeholders involved.
