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.
The Newcastlemax vessel is expected to be delivered to Fortescue by the end of 2026, and will feature WinGD’s X‑DF‑A dual-fuel engine. The vessel is one of a series under construction at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in China.
The collaboration integrates MAN’s dual-fuel engine technology with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry's repair and vessel modification capabilities.
Over the course of the demonstration, NYK analyzed the emission reductions achieved, with a peak of 94.4% reductions using 94.8% ammonia fuel under 75% engine load (similar results at 100% engine load).
At Singapore Maritime Week, Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO announced funding for eight maritime decarbonization projects, including ammonia safety training, and an AI-based safety management system. MPA also signed agreements with ABS, the Ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Brugges, and confirmed it has contributed to early work on training guidelines for the safe handling of methanol and ammonia at the IMO.
Between 2026 and 2029, Mitsui O.S.K Lines will add three ammonia-powered Capesize bulkers and six chemical tankers to its fleet through joint ownership and chartership with CMB.TECH. MOL, Namura Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have also received AiP from ClassNK for a large-size ammonia-powered ammonia carrier.
The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance has launched its second tender process for decarbonized fuels. Starting in 2027, the tender aims to cover multi-year cargo shipping demand equivalent to 1.5 million loaded, twenty-foot shipping containers transported from Shanghai to Los Angeles.
Alfa Laval has signed its first contract for its new ammonia fuel supply system, FCM Ammonia. The system will be installed onboard seven LPG/ammonia carriers being built in China, each featuring WinGD’s X-DF-A engine.
Adding terminal storage capabilities to its fleet of marine transportation and logistics fleet, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has acquired LBC Tank Terminals. LBC is currently inviting expressions of interest for its Vlissingen ammonia storage and cracking terminal, which is set to become operational in 2028.