NYK Line, Golden Island, Yara Clean Ammonia partner to drive ammonia fuel sales in Singapore
- NYK Line
- May 1
- 3 min read
NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (NYK Line), Golden Island Pte. Ltd. and Yara Clean Ammonia Norge AS have concluded a nonbinding term sheet that paves the way toward a partnership to jointly explore the marketing and supply of low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel to maritime end-users in Singapore.
According to NYK Line, 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 decarbonization targets.
The partnership combines key knowledge and expertise to form a synergetic foundation, NYK Line stated.
NYK Line said it will leverage its expertise gained through liquefied natural gas (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.
As one of the global leaders in the ammonia field, Yara Clean Ammonia possesses what NYK Line said is unparalleled expertise in ammonia production and handling with a strong safety record.
The three companies began discussions in early 2024 to explore the launch of this business, aiming to start 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,” said Atsuya Nojiri, the managing director of NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd. “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.”
Johnny Tan, the managing director of Golden Island, added, “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 very-low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), biofuels, methanol as marine fuel, and digitalization 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.”
Murali Srinivasan, the senior vice president of commercial for Yara Clean Ammonia, said, “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.”
According to NYK Line, 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 decarbonization targets.
