Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 15, On April 12, 2025, the Port of Rotterdam successfully completed a pilot for ammonia bunkering at the Maasvlakte 2 APM terminal, advancing efforts toward sustainable shipping. The trial involved transferring 800 cubic meters of liquid ammonia, cooled to -33°C, between two vessels, demonstrating a robust safety framework for ammonia as a marine fuel.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority oversaw the pilot, with OCI, the operator of the port’s ammonia terminal, leading the operation in collaboration with Trammo, which provided the tankers carrying the ammonia. James Fisher Fendercare supplied equipment and expertise to ensure a safe ship-to-ship transfer at the berth, hosted by APM Terminal. Victrol, a bunker barge operator, contributed its bunkering knowledge during planning. The DCMR Environmental Protection Agency, Rijnmond Safety Region, and Joint Fire Service ensured the operation proceeded smoothly and safely.

The pilot represents a significant milestone in preparing Rotterdam, one of the world’s leading bunker ports, for ammonia-fueled vessels expected to debut in 2026 and 2027. Handling around 10 million tonnes of fuel annually, the port aims to support a range of low-carbon fuels to enhance sustainability in global shipping.

The trial utilized grey ammonia, which has properties identical to clean ammonia, a carbon-free fuel anticipated to contribute significantly to reducing shipping emissions. The Port of Rotterdam is aligning its infrastructure with the international Port Readiness Level assessment tool to accommodate emerging marine fuels. Having fully implemented this approach for LNG and partially for methanol, the port has now reached level 7 for ammonia, indicating readiness to support ammonia bunkering on a project-specific basis with established safety protocols.

The Rotterdam Authority plans to share insights from the pilot with the European Union, other ports, and relevant stakeholders to promote wider adoption of ammonia bunkering. This initiative is part of the European MAGPIE program, which unites ports, research institutes, universities, and companies to advance green energy and logistics efficiency in maritime operations.

The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, also involved in the pilot, will further distribute the knowledge gained to the global maritime community. The trial underscores Rotterdam’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the port as a leader in transitioning to cleaner marine fuels while ensuring operational safety and reliability.