NYK Bulkship, Golden Island Pte. Ltd. , and Yara Clean Ammonia Norge AS have concluded a non-binding term sheet that paves the way towards a partnership to jointly explore the marketing and supply low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel to maritime end-users in Singapore.

The partnership represents 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 target.

The partnership combines key knowledge and expertise to form a synergetic foundation. NYK Line will fully leverage its expertise gained through LNG bunkering operations, as well as its operational and technical experience with ammonia carriers and ammonia-fueled 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, which are essential elements of bunkering operations. Yara Clean Ammonia, as one of the global leaders in the ammonia field, possesses unparalleled expertise in ammonia production and handling with a strong safety record.

NYK Line, Golden Island, and Yara Clean Ammonia began discussions at the beginning of 2024 to explore the launch of this business, aiming to commence operations within this decade.

“The NYK Group operates a fleet of more than 900 vessels and recognizes 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-fueled vessels, while taking a leading role through collaboration with experienced industry partners,” says Atsuya Nojiri, managing director of NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd.

“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,” says Johnny Tan, managing director of Golden Island.

“This partnership marks an important milestone in realizing 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 decarbonization makes it a natural starting point for scaling ammonia bunkering globally,” says Murali Srinivasan, SVP Commercial, Yara Clean Ammonia.

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 International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization goals. With its strategic geographic location, Singapore has established itself as a key maritime hub and the world’s largest bunkering port, supplying approximately one-fifth of the global marine fuel demand. The country has been working closely with industry to support the shipping community in meeting maritime decarbonisation target.