ClassNK, DNV, Lloyd’s Register and the American Bureau of Shipping have all released new resources to support the implementation of marine ammonia fuel. We explore vessel operation guidelines and best-practice recommendations, seafarer training programs, and models for ammonia leak dispersion onboard vessels.
In the latest episode of Project Features, Foshan Xianhu Laboratory and Monalisa Group explored a recent demonstration of ammonia combustion for industrial fabrication of ceramic tiles in China. Retrofits of the gas-powered production lines, safe, low-emission ammonia combustion, a multi-level DeNOX approach, target markets, and future ammonia fuel demand potential in China were discussed.
The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency has set out timelines and processes for operators of ammonia-fueled vessels to engage with authorities in preparation for operations in UK waters. Ammonia fuel is included in the Department of Transport’s first-ever Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, with as much as 70% of the forecast fuel mix being ammonia by 2050.
The regulations send a clear signal to industry – business as usual operations will become significantly more expensive, and zero or near-zero (ZNZ) technologies and fuels represent one of the better opportunities to make deep emissions cuts. Following the historic vote at the IMO, we explore critical timelines for the new regulations, compliance thresholds, mechanisms for vessels to comply, and uncertainties that remain.
Vinçotte, TÜV SÜD, and TÜV Rheinland will deliver the CertifHy EU RFNBO Voluntary Scheme. The news comes after CertifHy was officially approved by the European Commission late last year to issue RFNBO-compliant hydrogen certification.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is in the process of finalising new guidelines for the safe importation of hydrogen and ammonia into Japan. The guidelines will identify key legislative considerations, outline key design and process considerations, and act as a useful starting point for relevant stakeholders to plan for new energy imports.
2025 is a critical year for the adoption of ammonia fuel in shipping. Here, we preview important upcoming meetings of the International Maritime Organization, what regulatory gaps are being filled by this work, potential candidates for decarbonization measures, and progress in engine development. All this sets the scene for incredible progress to be made in the coming years.
Already in 2025, we have seen multiple initiatives launched and resources released to contribute to seafarer training ahead of the first ammonia-fueled vessels. Here, we explore the IMO’s first training guidelines, a new bunker training facility in India, and a safe procedures manual for ammonia bunkering developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.
AES Chile has submitted its EIA to government authorities for Project Inna, making it one of only a handful of proposed renewable ammonia projects in Chile currently at the key permitting stage. In other news, Mejillones Ammonia Energy will build a new wastewater treatment plant to secure water supplies for its Project Volta, and three mega-projects in the southern Magallanes region have been granted maritime concessions for terminal construction.
In our November episode of Project Features, we explored the MadoquaPower2X renewable ammonia project in Sines, southern Portugal. 300,000 tons per year of RFNBO-compliant ammonia will be produced for export to Rotterdam and Duisburg from 2028, focused on marine fuel and fertilizer markets in Europe.