Yara International has announced a significant step towards sustainable shipping by creating the world's first ammonia-powered containership, Yara Eyde. Yara Clean Ammonia, an ammonia producer and shipowner, and NorthSea Container Line, a Norwegian container operator, collaborated to bring this innovative vessel to life.
The Yara Eyde is the first in a new generation of ships anticipated to revolutionise the maritime industry using pure ammonia as their primary fuel source. The Yara Eyde is expected to consume about 10,000 tonnes of ammonia per year, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional container ships.
To support this groundbreaking project, Yara Clean Ammonia and NorthSea Container Line are establishing a joint venture called NCL Oslofjord AS to become the world's first line operator solely dedicated to ammonia-powered container ships. Enova, a Norwegian government enterprise, has provided around NOK 40 million ($3.6 million) for the Yara Eyde project. This funding further highlights the significance of such initiatives in achieving sustainability goals and reducing the environmental footprint of the maritime industry.
Yara Eyde will rely on ammonia for propulsion, with a 250 kWh battery pack and the ability to connect to shore power if necessary. This comprehensive approach improves the ship's efficiency and aligns with Yara Clean Ammonia's commitment to providing nearly carbon-free or fossil-free ammonia.
The vessel's eco-friendly features go beyond its propulsion system. Yara Eyde will aid Norway's emissions reduction targets for the offshore sector by collaborating with Azane Fuel Solutions to establish a bunkering network for pure ammonia in Norwegian and, eventually Scandinavian ports.
Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane Fuel Solutions, and Innovation Norway are working together on pilot projects supported by Enova to provide low-emission fuel to Yara Eyde in Brevik using specialised bunkering barges. Azane Fuel Solutions, a commercial partner of Yara Clean Ammonia, has ambitious plans to build the world's first ammonia bunkering network, with 15 units already pre-ordered by Yara Clean Ammonia.
Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, Head of Yara Clean Ammonia, is confident in the project's potential impact, stating, "When we produce ammonia from renewable energy or with natural gas where up to 95% of the CO2 emissions get captured and stored permanently, pure ammonia will quickly be a good solution for cutting carbon emissions in the maritime sector. Yara Eyde will demonstrate the maturity of ammonia as a maritime fuel."
The successful establishment of the joint venture and the ship's construction depends on the completion of binding agreements and necessary approvals from authorities. The Yara Eyde project represents a significant leap forward in the maritime industry's journey towards sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.
