The global shipping industry has reached a significant milestone in the transition towards alternative marine fuels after the world’s first ship-to-ship bunkering operation involving green ammonia was completed at an anchorage in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, eastern China.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday, involved supplying 1,000 tonnes of green ammonia to the Mineral Europa, an ammonia-powered vessel owned by a Belgian maritime group. The fuel was transferred from Shenghang Yongle, described as the world’s first dedicated liquid ammonia bunkering vessel.

The green ammonia was produced at a hydrogen energy industrial park in China. The operation demonstrates the practical potential of specialised vessels and maritime infrastructure to support the commercial use of alternative fuels in international shipping.

A New Step Towards Lower-Carbon Shipping

International shipping carries a substantial share of global trade, connecting manufacturers, agricultural producers and consumers across continents. However, conventional marine fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, creating pressure on the industry to develop cleaner alternatives.

Green ammonia is attracting attention as one potential option for reducing emissions from maritime transport. It is generally produced using hydrogen made through renewable-powered electrolysis, combined with nitrogen separated from the air. The production process can significantly reduce emissions compared with conventional ammonia manufacturing when renewable electricity and appropriately managed production systems are used.

Unlike conventional marine fuels, ammonia contains no carbon in its chemical composition. Consequently, using ammonia as a fuel does not produce carbon dioxide directly from the fuel itself during combustion. Nevertheless, its overall environmental performance depends on how it is produced, transported and used, as well as on emissions such as nitrogen oxides and potentially nitrous oxide during combustion.

How the Ship-to-Ship Operation Worked

The Zhoushan operation involved transferring a large quantity of liquid ammonia directly between two vessels. This method, known as ship-to-ship bunkering, can allow ships to receive fuel without relying exclusively on conventional shore-based bunkering facilities.

The specialised bunkering vessel Shenghang Yongle supplied 1,000 tonnes of green ammonia to the Mineral Europa. Conducting the transfer required infrastructure and operational procedures designed for the handling of liquid ammonia, which presents specific safety challenges because it is toxic and requires carefully controlled storage and transfer conditions.

The successful completion of the operation represents an important practical development for ammonia-powered shipping. It also provides an example of how dedicated bunkering vessels could support the availability of alternative fuels at maritime hubs.

Moving from demonstration projects to regular commercial operations will require further development of fuel supply networks, safety standards, port facilities and trained personnel.

Why Green Ammonia Matters for the Maritime Industry

Ammonia offers several characteristics that make it a candidate for certain long-distance shipping applications. It can be stored as a liquid under suitable temperature and pressure conditions, and it does not contain carbon in its molecular structure.

For vessels operating over long distances, the availability of suitable alternative fuels is an important consideration because replacing conventional marine engines and refuelling systems requires substantial investment.

Ammonia-powered vessels and specialised bunkering infrastructure could form part of a broader portfolio of maritime decarbonisation technologies. Other options include green methanol, sustainable biofuels, battery-electric systems for suitable short-distance routes and hydrogen-based technologies.

No single fuel is likely to meet the needs of every vessel type or shipping route. The choice will depend on factors such as vessel design, fuel availability, operating costs, energy efficiency and applicable environmental regulations.

Safety and Environmental Challenges Remain

Despite its potential, green ammonia presents important challenges. Ammonia is toxic to humans and can harm ecosystems if released in significant quantities. Safe commercial deployment therefore requires reliable leak detection, specialised equipment, emergency response plans and rigorous training for workers.

Engine technology also needs to address emissions that may arise when ammonia is used as a fuel. Although ammonia contains no carbon, combustion can produce nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide unless appropriate technologies and operating controls are applied.

The environmental benefits are also closely linked to production methods. Ammonia made using fossil-fuel-based hydrogen can have a substantially different emissions profile from ammonia produced with renewable electricity. Lifecycle assessments are therefore essential when evaluating whether a particular fuel pathway delivers meaningful climate benefits.

Expanding production will additionally require sufficient renewable electricity, hydrogen infrastructure and investment in storage and distribution facilities.

China’s Role in Alternative Marine Fuels

The Zhoushan operation highlights China’s efforts to develop infrastructure for the use of alternative fuels in maritime transport. As a major participant in international shipping and global manufacturing, China has opportunities to influence the development of new fuel supply chains and associated technologies.

Commercial-scale bunkering operations can help test the practical arrangements required to deliver alternative fuels safely and reliably. They can also provide valuable experience for ports, vessel operators, fuel producers and regulators as the industry evaluates the wider adoption of ammonia-powered ships.

However, broader adoption will depend on the availability of competitively priced low-emission ammonia, suitable vessels, consistent safety requirements and adequate bunkering infrastructure across international shipping routes.

A Milestone for the Future of Shipping

The transfer of 1,000 tonnes of green ammonia to the Mineral Europa marks a notable development in the practical use of alternative maritime fuels. It demonstrates that specialised ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering can be carried out at a substantial scale, offering a potential pathway for supplying ammonia-powered vessels.

The longer-term significance of the achievement will depend on whether similar operations can be repeated safely, economically and across a wider network of ports.

As the maritime industry works to reduce its environmental footprint, green ammonia could become one component of the transition towards lower-emission shipping. Continued technological development, strong safety measures and investment in renewable fuel production will be essential to turning early milestones into lasting changes across global maritime transport.