Yara Clean Ammonia and Azane granted safety permit to build world’s first low emission ammonia bunkering terminal
Yara Clean Ammonia and Azane granted safety permit to build world’s first low emission ammonia bunkering terminal
Yara, one of our Premium Members, received the approval from to The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection to construction of the planned ammonia bunkering facility at Fjord Base in Florø, Norway. The permit marks a significant milestone for enabling ammonia as a safe and low emission alternative to traditional shipping fuels.
Ammonia is widely recognised as a low-emissions shipping fuel. Even though interest in ammonia as a decarbonised shipping fuel is high, the final leg of the journey, from the production plant to the vessel, has been missing. Now Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane and Fjord Base have demonstrated how the planned ammonia bunkering terminal can meet the strict safety requirement of the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).
The planned terminal is part of Yara Clean Ammonia and Azane’s efforts to make low-emission ammonia a common fuel for shipping. With ammonia’s potential to fully decarbonise the maritime sector, the companies plan to roll out a network of terminals in Scandinavia. This milestone is important to meet the growing demand for ammonia as shipping fuel, as well as incentives needed to enable ship operators and owners to switch from high-emitting, but cheaper fuels, to the low-emission alternative of ammonia. Demand seems to gain momentum in Norway as ENOVA, which manages the Norwegian Climate and Energy fund on behalf of the government, is planning ammonia grant tenders for both ammonia powered ships and ammonia infrastructure in 2024. There are multiple newbuilding projects in the pipeline, and ongoing ammonia-powered Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) tender processes.
Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane and Fjord Base will now commence work with their project partners to obtain a permit with the local municipality before a final investment decision.
Magnus Ankarstrand, President Yara Clean Ammonia, stated:
“We are grateful for the permit awarded from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection. This acknowledges how ammonia can be used safely and efficiently as a shipping fuel at the site in Kinn. The ammonia terminal will enable the decarbonisation of the maritime sector and showcase ammonia’s assets as a zero-emission shipping fuel. We look forward to working together with our partners and the local community in Kinn to complete the project and provide the shipping fuel for the future to the Norwegian offshore supply segment.”
Steinar Kostøl, VP Projects& Products, Azane, commented:
“This marks a milestone for ammonia as a fuel. Now we finally know with certainty the safety zones we will have to operate under when bunkering ammonia. The required safety zones are very encouraging and demonstrate how it will be possible to bunker ammonia in the biggest and busiest ports around the world.”
Stig Førde, CEO, Fjord Base, stated:
“The Fjord Base community welcomes with great enthusiasm the declaration of conformity issued by DSB. It underscores our commitment to providing our customers with innovative solutions aimed at minimising their carbon footprint. The development of an ammonia bunkering terminal marks a significant step forward in this endeavor, bolstering our competitive edge at Fjord Base and showcasing our dedication to sustainability.”
About Yara Clean Ammonia
Yara Clean Ammonia is one of the globe’s most extensive pilot initiatives for generating green ammonia. Renewable energy will supplant fossil fuels, thus diminishing CO2 emissions.
About Azane Fuel Solutions
Azane Fuel Solutions, one of the collaboration with key industry players across the ammonia value chain, is developing an ammonia bunkering network along the Scandinavian coast. Supported by the Green Platform Initiative, this network will offer bunkering opportunities for ships, enabling owners to achieve low to zero carbon emissions. Construction of the initial terminals is slated to commence in 2024, with the first bunkering operations expected by late 2025. This initiative will demonstrate ammonia’s viability as a carbon-free, secure, and dependable fuel for the maritime sector. Learn more click here.
About Fjord Base
Since 1985, the Fjord Base Group has contributed to local business growth, evolving into a significant entity with over 300 employees, integral to Flora municipality’s industrial landscape. Operating in oil and gas, technical services, property development, aquaculture, and industrial maintenance. Fjord Base ambition is to lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through focus on clean ammonia production, aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertiliser production and other energy intensive industries. Learn more click here.
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