Various elements – different definitions for “green” hydrogen, subsidy structures, and transportation & logistics costs – all contribute to the gap between discovered prices for the H2Global and SECI renewable ammonia auctions. More data points will provide greater clarity, and point to where early market success will materialize.
In our recent episode of Project Features, we explored the outcomes from a recent ammonia bunkering demonstration at the Port of Rotterdam. With thirteen ammonia transfer and bunkering demonstrations occurring in nine global locations since 2024, where does the Port Readiness Level for ammonia bunkering stand in Rotterdam and elsewhere, what are the key technical learnings, and what gaps remain?
The European Commission has unveiled the Hydrogen and Gas Market Directive which in addition to existing regulations on renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) set out in the Renewable Energy Directive, completes the policy framework for the sector on the European continent.
Ammonigy, Heraeus Precious Metals and the Technical University of Darmstadt have partnered to demonstrate operations using cracked ammonia fuel in a four-stroke MAN test engine. The performance and efficiency of the test engine when running on ammonia-hydrogen fuel was comparable to natural gas operations, and use of an exhaust aftertreatment system reduced potentially harmful nitrogen-based emissions to near-zero levels.
Ammonia cracking tech provider Ammonigy and leading German brick manufacturer Juwö Poroton led the project, successfully demonstrating a pilot-sized brick kiln that runs on cracked ammonia fuel gas. The cracked ammonia-fired bricks were virtually “indistinguishable from bricks fired with natural gas”.
As part of the new joint venture, the pair will lead construction of two 51,530 m3 ammonia-fueled ammonia carriers, which will also be capable of carrying LPG. Contracts have to build the vessels near Shanghai, with deliveries scheduled to take place in June and October 2028.
With $25 million in funding from the Norwegian Government, Amon Marine will develop two ammonia-powered bulk carriers, entering into a new vessel market. Also in Norway, Færder Tankers has received approval in principle for their design of a 50,000 cubic metre capacity dual fuel ammonia medium carrier and bunkering vessel.
In our June Episode of Project Features, the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology and Sunoco LP joined us to discuss ammonia pipelines. What lessons and best-practices can we draw from existing pipeline networks, and what design & risk mitigation factors are critical to the development of new ammonia pipeline routes?
Learn more about a recently-completed ammonia bunker pilot facilitated by the Port of Rotterdam, and the global landscape of maritime ammonia activities being tracked by the Global Maritime Forum.
AM Green and the Port of Rotterdam Authority will work together towards the establishment of a million-tons-per-year renewable molecules corridor between India and northwestern Europe, via Rotterdam.