Yara Clean Ammonia and NYK Sign Historic Time-Charter Contract for Ammonia-Fueled Vessel

Yara Clean Ammonia Switzerland, a subsidiary of the leading ammonia distributor Yara International, has made a groundbreaking move by signing a time-charter contract with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) for an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) set to be delivered in November 2026.

Collaborating since 2021, Yara Clean Ammonia and NYK have been at the forefront of exploring the practical application of an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier. This partnership has led to the world’s first time-charter contract for an AFMGC, a significant development in the maritime transportation of ammonia.

The vessel, measuring 100 meters in length with a breadth of 32 meters, will be equipped with a 40,000 m3 tank, showcasing the latest advancements in ammonia transport technology.

The adoption of an AFMGC represents a major step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from marine transportation. It also plays a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable ammonia supply chain, catering to the increasing demand for ammonia in various sectors such as power generation and marine fuel.

Quotes from Key Stakeholders

Commenting on the collaboration, Murali Srinivasan, SVP Commercial at Yara Clean Ammonia, emphasized the significance of the partnership with NYK in meeting future emission regulations and ensuring the delivery of carbon-intensity compliant clean ammonia to customers.

Hironobu Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer at NYK, highlighted the company’s commitment to developing alternative fuel solutions like ammonia to achieve net-zero emissions. He expressed delight in the time-charter contract with Yara Clean Ammonia and praised the AFMGC as a next-generation vessel that aligns with sustainability goals.

As the maritime industry continues to shift towards cleaner fuel alternatives, the collaboration between Yara Clean Ammonia and NYK sets a new standard for eco-friendly ammonia transportation. This innovative approach not only reduces carbon footprint but also paves the way for a more sustainable future in the shipping industry.

With a shared vision for environmental stewardship and technological innovation, Yara Clean Ammonia and NYK are poised to lead the transition towards a greener maritime sector through the deployment of ammonia-fueled vessels like the AFMGC.