Belgian company CMB.Tech is ordering what it says is the world’s first ammonia-powered container vessel in partnership with Yara Clean Ammonia, North Sea Container Line (NCL) and Yara International through a 15-year deal.
The vessel, to be named Yara Eyde, is a 1400 TEU ice-class container ship to be built at Qingdao Yangfan Shipbuilding in China. Expected to be delivered by mid-2026, the Yara Eyde will run on clean ammonia, serving routes between Norway and Germany.
The vessel will be owned by Delphis, the container division of CMB.Tech and operated by NCL Oslofjord, a joint venture between NCL and Yara Clean Ammonia. The commercial operations will be managed by NCL’s existing set-up while Yara Clean Ammonia will deliver ammonia fuel to the vessel. The joint venture has secured a long-term CoA with Yara International for the freight of containers between Yara’s fertilizer plant in Porsgrunn, Norway and Hamburg and Bremerhaven in Germany. The aim of the project is to become the world’s first line operator to focus exclusively on ammonia-powered ships.
NCL Oslofjord chose to partner with CMB.Tech for its experience in hydrogen and ammonia engines. This innovative project is seen as an important milestone for the decarbonisation of shipping and reducing GHG emissions in Europe, and to demonstrate that clean ammonia can provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly maritime transport.
Alexander Saverys, CEO CMB.Tech said: “We are delighted to partner up with Yara and NCL to build the world’s first ammonia-powered container ship. Yara, NCL and CMB.Tech are walking the talk to decarbonise shipping by combining our knowhow on clean ammonia, operational excellence in the North Sea and state-of-the-art low-carbon ships. We want to prove to the world that we can decarbonise today to navigate tomorrow.”
Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, President Yara Clean Ammonia added: “Uniting forward-thinking entities, this project accelerates the development of a zero-emission supply chain for Scandinavia and Northwest Europe’s container shipments. It’s the first of its kind globally, demonstrating clean ammonia’s potential to decarbonise the maritime industry. We are excited about our joint partnership with CMB.Tech, a major player in shipping and a leader in developing new fuel technologies.”
Bente Hetland, CEO NCL concluded: “With their extensive experience with hydrogen-based fuels, CMB.Tech was the ideal partner for this unique project. We are extremely impressed with the innovative culture in CMB.Tech and their dedication to making an impact. The project proves that decarbonisation is possible today, and we are confident that the project will pave the way for clean ammonia as a dominating fuel in the industry.”
Image: Ammonia fuelled container ship (source: CMB.Tech)
