Yara Clean Ammonia and Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) have signed a Collaboration Agreement to jointly facilitate the uptake of clean ammonia as a marine fuel in the Pilbara region in Western Australia.

This collaboration illustrates the confidence and commitment of both organisations in ammonia as a leading zero-carbon fuel for decarbonising the shipping industry.

The purpose of the agreement is to jointly assess the potential ammonia demand and required bunker infrastructure, leveraging off the existing world-scale ammonia production facility of Yara Pilbara, and its clean ammonia potential in the region.

The agreement will also ensure safe ammonia bunker operations within PPA ports through collaborative safety analysis and the creation of transparent ammonia bunkering guidelines.

Both organisations agree that forming a clear understanding of the required bunker infrastructure and safe ammonia bunker guidelines will accelerate the effective uptake of clean ammonia as a fuel, and will be a major step towards making shipping fossil-fuel free.

“The potential of ammonia as a fuel to effectively decarbonise the maritime industry is very clear; however some questions remain on how to maximise safe and efficient fuel delivery in a port environment. This Collaboration with PPA intends to address these questions and consequently will help fast-track ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel in the region.” says Murali Srinivasan, SVP and Commercial Head of Yara Clean Ammonia.

PPA CEO Roger Johnston said as the world’s largest bulk export port authority, PPA has a strong commitment to safe operations and sustainable shipping.

“PPA strives to be a frontrunner in establishing frameworks to ensure safe ammonia bunker operations.  This collaboration with Yara Clean Ammonia creates great opportunities to work together to reduce carbon emissions,” Mr Johnston said.

The joint assessment is planned to take approximately one year.