Practical lessons, safety framework emerge from Rotterdam bunker demonstration

Project MAGPIE releases public report

Click to enlarge. Ammonia port safety infographic, Fig 9 from “Ammonia Bunkering Demonstration Report” (Project MAGPIE, June 2026).

The learnings from the April 2025 bunker demonstration have been consolidated by project leader Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping. A key outcome is the validation of the Port of Rotterdam’s port safety framework for ammonia as a fuel, as well as the International Association of Ports and Harbours’ (IAPH) Port Readiness Tool, upon which Rotterdam’s framework is based. The results demonstrate that these frameworks are “fit-for-purpose instruments”, able to be picked up and used by other ports considering the introduction of new fuels like ammonia.

The pilot lays the groundwork for the next stage of ammonia bunkering in the Port of Rotterdam, with operations to be governed by the validated safety framework, licensing system, and the “Ammonia Bunker Map” defining suitable locations. Continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be implemented by Port of Rotterdam to further refine best practices and ensure safe, scalable deployment of ammonia as a marine fuel.

From the Executive Summary of “Ammonia Bunkering Demonstration Report” (Project MAGPIE, June 2026)

The project delivers practical learnings, validation sheets and recommendations that can be used by ports globally to build confidence in ammonia bunkering and to inform future port permitting and regulatory processes. The results support the EU’s ambition for green ports and the safe deployment of alternative fuels in the maritime sector.

Bo Cerup-Simonsen, CEO at Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, in his organisation’s official press release, 21 May 2026

The energy transition requires new, integrated value chains. This ammonia bunker pilot is an important step in developing a complete value chain for alternative fuels, from import to application in shipping. Together with our partners, we demonstrate that innovation, safety, and scalability can go hand in hand. Rotterdam plays a connecting role as an energy and logistics hub for Northwest Europe.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO at the Port of Rotterdam, in MMMCZCS’s official press release, 21 May 2026

Amongst a detailed series of lessons learned, report highlights include:

• Structured information exchange between team members and within partner organizations is important.
• Ammonia cargo transfer equipment is relatively straightforward, but bunkering equipment is expected to be more elaborate and include more safety features.
• Ammonia-specific bunkering equipment that meets the necessary safety standards is not currently available.
• Ammonia detection device requirements are not defined for ammonia transfer operations, and particularly for determining ammonia concentrations in transfer lines.
• “Hot gassing” removal of ammonia from transfer hoses can be challenging.
• The Port of Rotterdam’s safety framework is a validated governance structure to manage the introduction of new fuels to European ports and beyond.

The full report can be accessed here. The MAGPIE Project was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.