Norwegian group Yara has become a member of The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) and joined the Board of Directors, recognising that meeting the IMO decarbonisation targets will involve the effective use of alternative low and zero carbon fuels such as clean ammonia in the maritime industry.
Building on its long experience and leading position within global ammonia production, logistics and trade, Yara established the Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA) unit in 2021. This unit focuses on capturing growth opportunities in emission-free fuel for shipping and power plants, carbon-free food production and ammonia for power- and industrial applications. The use of carbon-neutral ammonia is seen as a promising future green alternative to current fossil-fuel based energy. YCA is actively investing to become a leading provider of solutions across the value chain, including reliable supply of zero-carbon ammonia fuel.
To make zero-emissions shipping a reality by using ammonia as a fuel, Yara recognises the need for value chain collaboration.
Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, President of Yara Clean Ammonia, said: “SGMF has already build a strong reputation and increased the awareness of safe, effective and sustainable use of gaseous fuels in the maritime industry. Their current activities are expanding to include ammonia, of which we are appreciative. By becoming a member of the Board of Directors, YCA can effectively add value and create clarity on the implications of ammonia for the maritime industry. Our ambition is to accelerate ammonia as fuel and making carbon free shipping a reality.”
Mark Bell, GM, SGMF, said: “We are delighted to welcome Yara as members, there is much debate in our industry surrounding gaseous marine fuels and the first-hand information this seasoned supplier can provide is invaluable. Ammonia has both great potential and challenges as a marine fuel and in view of its significance I am very pleased to see Tessa Major – Director Bunkering appointed as a Board member for SGMF.”
Yara will be represented by Tessa Major in the Board of SGMF. Major is a sustainability and maritime professional with experience on the development and implementation of alternative fuels. She has been involved with the Society since its inception.
With a wide-ranging portfolio of best practice for LNG as a marine fuel, the Society has been busy evaluating both hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels. SGMF is conducting a primary Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Study on ammonia as a marine fuel (Sphera commissioned), similar as to those for LNG but exclusively as a literature study. The scope will include both fossil (grey/blue) and sustainable (green) variants.
Furthermore, SGMF will be launching Ammonia as a Marine Fuel – an introductory guide which will be outlining strategic facts about NH3. This high-level document guide relates to what are, and will be, more technically thorough SGMF guidelines, aimed at supporting the eventual ammonia ship fuel industry develop. Both documents are expected to be published in 2022.
