As the maritime industry continues its search for scalable zero-emission fuels, low-emission ammonia has emerged as an increasingly viable solution for deep-sea operations. Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia, outlined the broad appeal of ammonia as a marine fuel and emphasised why his company is uniquely positioned to help drive the sector towards a cleaner future.
“No one is better positioned than Yara to capture value in the clean ammonia market,” stated Raen, who leads one of the longest-established producers of this near-zero emission fuel. With a legacy of producing and transporting ammonia since the early 1900s, Yara Clean Ammonia currently ranks as the world’s second-largest ammonia producer and operates the largest export and trading network globally.
Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia
Ammonia, often regarded as one of shipping’s most promising alternatives to fossil fuels, releases no carbon dioxide at the point of combustion. It offers practical advantages over hydrogen, including higher energy density and simpler liquefaction and transport requirements, which make it particularly attractive for long-distance maritime trade.
“If you’re serious about decarbonisation, you want a fuel that doesn’t emit CO₂ in the first place. That’s the fundamental advantage of ammonia,” Raen explained. While he acknowledged the chemical’s hazardous nature, he stressed that Yara’s extensive experience ensures its safe handling and transport. “This is not new territory for us — it’s what we do.”
Accelerating Adoption
Despite its benefits, ammonia-fuelled vessels remain relatively few. As of 2024, the Ammonia Energy Association reported 45 ammonia-powered vessels on the orderbook — up from 25 the previous year. Though engines for ammonia propulsion are still being refined for commercial deployment, Raen predicted rapid adoption as the business case becomes clearer.
To that end, Yara Clean Ammonia has taken proactive steps. In partnership with Delphis (the container division of CMB.TECH) and North Sea Container Line, the company ordered the world’s first ammonia-powered container vessel from Qingdao Yangfan Shipbuilding. Named Yara Eyde, the 1,400 TEU dual-fuel ship is scheduled for delivery in 2026 and will operate between the Oslofjord region and continental Europe. It will carry both Yara’s fertiliser products and third-party cargo for companies seeking to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
“This project is proof that the value chain can come together to make clean shipping happen,” Raen said. “Everyone involved is taking a share of the risk because we all believe in the opportunity. Collectively, we are walking the talk with Yara Eyde.”
Scaling Up
Critics have cited limited infrastructure and fuel availability as potential bottlenecks for ammonia’s widespread maritime adoption. Raen, however, remains confident in Yara’s ability to meet demand. “When the ships are ready, the fuel will be too,” he affirmed.
Yara is already producing low-emission ammonia and has plans to scale up production further, supported by a strategy to establish bunkering hubs in key maritime regions such as Europe, Asia and North America. With 15 ammonia carriers in operation and four million tonnes transported annually, the company is well-positioned to act as a dependable partner for the shipping industry’s transition.
Ensuring Safety and Advocating Clarity
Safety remains a top priority. Yara has developed protocols with DNV and the UN Global Compact, and works with various partners to professionalise ammonia handling across the value chain. This includes training seafarers and providing technical support to new entrants.
However, Raen called for clearer regulatory frameworks to unlock the full potential of zero-emission fuels. “Going green can’t be achieved with red numbers,” he stated. “We need regulators to establish clear rules and rewards for using net-zero fuels. An equal playing field is essential for scale.”
He welcomed positive signals from the IMO and the EU, particularly the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which offers tangible incentives for early movers. “If you’re building ammonia-fuelled ships now, you can secure a competitive advantage — not just in compliance, but in customer value too.”
Looking Ahead to Nor-Shipping
Raen and the Yara Clean Ammonia team are eager to engage with industry stakeholders during Nor-Shipping 2025, taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm from 2–6 June. As a partner of the event’s Blue Talks programme, the company aims to foster collaboration with shipbuilders, operators, port authorities, regulators and technology developers.
“Nor-Shipping offers an ideal platform for engaging with decision-makers across the global maritime value chain,” Raen concluded. “Ammonia may not be the silver bullet for every segment, but it is undoubtedly a critical component of the global decarbonisation solution. Yara Clean Ammonia is here to help lead the way.”
For more information visit www.nor-shipping.com
6 June 2025
