NYK Line company NYK Bulkship (Asia), Golden Island and Yara Clean Ammonia have concluded a non-binding term agreement that paves the way towards a partnership to jointly explore the marketing and supply of low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel to maritime end-users in Singapore.
The partnership is considered a major step in enabling ammonia as a zero-or-near-zero-emission (ZNZ) marine fuel, in line with Singapore’s broader ambitions to support the shipping community in meeting decarbonisation targets. The partnership combines key knowledge and expertise to form a synergetic foundation. NYK Line will leverage its experience gained through LNG bunkering operations, as well as its operational and technical experience with ammonia carriers and ammonia-fuelled vessel projects. Golden Island brings over 40 years of experience in Singapore’s bunkering industry, with a robust customer base and strong capabilities in scheduling, seen as essential elements of bunkering operations. Yara Clean Ammonia claims expertise in ammonia production and handling with a strong safety record.
NYK Line, Golden Island and Yara Clean Ammonia first held discussions in 2024 to explore the launch of this business, aiming to commence operations within this decade.
Atsuya Nojiri, NYK Bulkship (Asia) MD, said: “The NYK Group operates a fleet of more than 900 vessels and recognises the transition to ZNZ marine fuels as a critical step towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ammonia is expected to play an important role in the future marine fuel mix. The NYK Group’s primary objective is to establish the infrastructure required to safely accelerate the adoption and scaling of ammonia-fuelled vessels, while taking a leading role through collaboration with experienced industry partners.”
Golden Island MD Johnny Tan added: “Golden Island is pleased to partner with NYK Line and Yara Clean Ammonia to advance the development of low-carbon ammonia bunkering in Singapore. With more than 40 years of experience in Singapore’s bunkering industry, we bring a strong customer network and deep operational expertise in bunker scheduling and supply chain coordination. Over the years, we have supported the industry’s transition through initiatives such as the adoption of VLSFO, biofuels, methanol as marine fuel, and digitalisation efforts including electric Bunker Delivery Note. Through this partnership, we look forward to contributing our operational capabilities and high safety standards to support Singapore’s development as a global hub for next-generation marine fuels.”
Murali Srinivasan, SVP Commercial, Yara Clean Ammonia, concluded: “This partnership marks an important milestone in realising our vision of a low-carbon ammonia supply chain for new markets. Together with NYK Line and Golden Island, we are developing a last-mile ecosystem that will make low-emission ammonia bunkering available safely and reliably at one of the world’s most critical maritime hubs. Singapore’s leadership in maritime decarbonisation makes it a natural starting point for scaling ammonia bunkering globally.”
Ammonia is gaining attention as a ZNZ fuel that does not emit CO₂ upon combustion, making it a promising alternative marine fuel for the 2030s and beyond in alignment with the IMO decarbonisation goals. With its strategic geographic location, Singapore has established itself as a key maritime hub and the world’s largest bunkering port, supplying approximately 20% of the global marine fuel demand. The country has been working closely with industry to support the shipping community in meeting maritime decarbonisation targets.
Image: Johnny Tan (Golden Island), Atsuya Nojiri, NYK Bulkship (Asia) and Murali Srinivasan (Yara Clean Ammonia) (source: NYK Line)
