A new partnership involving Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Golden Island, and Yara Clean Ammonia marks a further step toward developing low-carbon ammonia bunkering in Singapore, the world’s busiest marine refueling hub.
The three companies have signed a non-binding term sheet to explore joint marketing and supply of low-carbon ammonia for marine fuel use in Singapore. The initiative is aimed at establishing a new fuel supply chain in a market that accounts for about one-fifth of global bunker demand.
The partners said the collaboration brings together complementary capabilities across the value chain. NYK will contribute experience from LNG bunkering and ammonia shipping projects. Golden Island provides more than 40 years of local bunkering experience and access to customers in Singapore. Yara Clean Ammonia adds expertise in ammonia production, logistics and handling.
The companies began discussions in early 2024 and are targeting the launch of operations within this decade, subject to further agreements.
Atsuya Nojiri, managing director at NYK Bulkship (Asia), said ammonia is expected to play a key role in reducing emissions and that the group is focused on developing the infrastructure required to support its use.
Ammonia is considered a potential zero- or near-zero-emission fuel as it does not emit CO2 during combustion, although challenges related to safety, handling and infrastructure remain.
For Singapore, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen its position as a hub for next-generation marine fuels as the shipping industry works toward decarbonization targets.
A separate Japan-linked initiative involving Sumitomo Corporation, K Line and NYK Bulkship has also been launched to study and potentially develop a dedicated ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore. The work includes vessel design, safety and ownership structures as the port moves closer to practical deployment of ammonia fuel infrastructure.
