Industry partnership aims to move ammonia closer to commercial bunkering

The agreement builds on an existing collaboration between CF Industries and Trafigura in the shipment of low-carbon ammonia and establishes a framework for joint work aimed at developing ammonia as a viable fuel for international shipping. The parties will focus on supporting the sector’s emissions-reduction objectives by addressing commercial, logistical and supply chain challenges.

Under the MOU, the three companies will cooperate on market development, stakeholder engagement and planning for ammonia bunkering logistics. Initial efforts will concentrate on the US Gulf Coast and Northwest Europe, regions seen as likely early hubs for low-carbon ammonia production and use.

CF Industries will contribute its low-carbon ammonia production and export capabilities, including supply from its Donaldsonville, Louisiana, complex. Trafigura will provide expertise in commodity trading, logistics and market development. TFG Marine will draw on its global marine fuel supply and bunkering network to support last-mile delivery solutions, aggregate bunkering demand and facilitate the movement of ammonia to bunkering locations worldwide.

The partners said the collaboration is intended to help establish the end-to-end supply chain required for ammonia to be deployed at scale as a marine fuel, moving it closer to commercial reality for shipowners and operators assessing future fuel options.

Low-carbon ammonia is increasingly being considered as a potential zero- or near-zero carbon fuel for deep-sea shipping, particularly for long-haul trades where energy density and scalability are critical. However, significant challenges remain, including infrastructure development, safety frameworks and regulatory alignment. These aspects were considered in our Special Report on ammonia last year.

The companies said coordinated action across production, logistics and bunkering will be essential if ammonia is to play a meaningful role in the sector’s energy transition given supply issues discussed here.