Trammo, OCI, and James Fisher Fendercare successfully executed an ammonia bunkering pilot between two vessels at a terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, marking a significant milestone in preparing the port for clean ammonia as a marine fuel. The operation is a key step in the broader energy transition and supports the port’s ambition to facilitate low- and zero-carbon fuel bunkering.

Ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, releases no CO₂ during combustion, making it a promising option for decarbonising international shipping. The first vessels capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel are anticipated to enter service between 2026 and 2027.

During the pilot, 800 cubic metres of cold liquid ammonia—kept at -33 degrees Celsius—was transferred from one ship to another over approximately 2.5 hours. The operation took place alongside the new quay at the Maasvlakte 2 APM terminal. The successful demonstration validated the Port of Rotterdam’s safety framework for ammonia bunkering, confirming that such operations can be conducted safely and without emissions.

The pilot was a collaborative effort facilitated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority. OCI, operator of the port’s ammonia terminal, supplied the ammonia in partnership with Trammo, which provided the two participating tankers. James Fisher Fendercare delivered the necessary transfer equipment and technical expertise, ensuring the operation met stringent safety standards. Bunker barge operator Victrol also contributed its bunkering knowledge during the planning phase. Oversight was provided by the DCMR Environmental Protection Agency, the Rijnmond Safety Region (VRR), and the Joint Fire Service (GB), all of whom ensured the procedure was carried out safely.

As the world’s second-largest bunker port, Rotterdam facilitates the annual bunkering of approximately ten million tonnes of fuel. The Port of Rotterdam Authority, in partnership with industry stakeholders, is committed to supporting the adoption of all viable low-carbon and alternative fuels to accelerate the maritime sector’s transition to sustainability.

Ammonia, in particular, offers a compelling proposition due to its carbon-free combustion. Although the pilot used grey ammonia—chemically identical to clean ammonia—it demonstrated the potential for ammonia to serve as a scalable solution for shipping decarbonisation. The infrastructure and logistics for ammonia are already well established globally, laying the groundwork for its rapid deployment as a marine fuel.

The Port of Rotterdam applies the international Port Readiness Level (PRL) tool to evaluate its preparedness for new marine fuels. Following the ammonia pilot, the port has now completed PRL level 6 and advanced to level 7, which confirms that all safety procedures are in place to allow ammonia bunkering on a project-by-project basis.

Rotterdam previously completed full readiness for LNG and has made significant progress for methanol. With this recent development, the port is now prepared to support the first ammonia-fuelled ships upon their arrival. The learnings from this pilot will be shared with EU stakeholders, other ports, and industry partners to support broader adoption and regulatory alignment across Europe.

Bob van Bruggen of the Port of Rotterdam Authority commented that this successful pilot reinforces Rotterdam’s leadership in sustainable port innovation and its ongoing commitment to enabling the shipping industry’s transition to net-zero.

For more information visit www.portofrotterdam.com