Hapag-Lloyd and North Sea Container Line (NCL) have emerged as winners of ZEMBA’s second tender focused on the deployment of e-fuel powered containerships. NCL will deploy the renewable ammonia powered containership Yara Eyde from 2027.
Via ENOVA, the Norwegian government has awarded $43 million to Azane for the development of three ammonia terminals, and $29 million to Amon Maritime for the construction of three new ammonia-powered bulk carriers.
Two Namibia-based renewable ammonia projects – Hyphen Hydrogen Energy and Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay – have received development funding from the African Development Bank and the SDG Namibia One Fund, respectively.
Despite the successes and progress made in 2025, the year remains a missed opportunity for ammonia energy. The first complete supply chains for renewable ammonia are emerging, and some 600,000 tons of annual production capacity is set to be online in northeast China early next year. Maritime engines, cracking, and power & heat technology solutions also made their mark, moving from feasibility into deployment. But disappointing outcomes at the IMO and government support that failed to spark market development remains an issue, with plenty of critical, detail-heavy work ahead of us in 2026.
In the wake of the IMO’s decision to postpone adoption of a zero and near-zero fuels support framework, the European Commission has launched its own support scheme for sustainable aviation (SAF) and maritime (SMF) fuels. Strategic, targeted investments will be made to scale up EU-based production of renewable and low-carbon fuels, unlocking the fuel volumes required.
The first two recipients in Japan’s long-term contracts for difference program for low-carbon hydrogen production have been announced. Resonac will produce hydrogen from used plastics and subsequently ammonia, with Japanese chemicals giant Nippon Shokubai to act as offtaker.
At the recent Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Japan-based Mizuho financial group signed MoUs with the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme and Tsubame BHB for project development in Africa.
The Solar Energy Corporation has completed its first subsidy program for renewable ammonia, awarding the thirteenth and final contract this week. ACME Cleantech won six contracts, totalling 370,000 tons production per year.