The Port of Rotterdam successfully completed its first ammonia bunkering pilot on 12 April 2025. In a ship-to-ship transfer at the Maasvlakte 2 APM terminal, 800 cubic meters of cold ammonia (-33°C) were safely transferred between two vessels.
The pilot, coordinated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, was carried out in collaboration with Trammo, OCI, and James Fisher Fendercare. OCI supplied the ammonia from its terminal, Trammo provided the tankers, and James Fisher Fendercare ensured the safe transfer. Additional support came from Victrol, the DCMR Environmental Protection Agency, Rijnmond Safety Region, and the Joint Fire Service.
This operation confirmed the port’s safety framework and infrastructure for ammonia bunkering, moving Rotterdam to level 7 on the international Port Readiness Level assessment scale—allowing ammonia bunkering on a project basis.
Ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, offers a promising solution for the decarbonisation of maritime transport. While this pilot used grey ammonia, the same procedures apply to clean ammonia, which is expected to power ships from 2026 onward.
The pilot was part of the EU-funded MAGPIE programme, which supports innovation and sustainability in European ports. The R&D Center Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping will help disseminate the findings globally.
As the world’s second-largest bunkering hub, Rotterdam is preparing for a multi-fuel future—enabling the safe use of low-carbon alternatives like ammonia and supporting the global transition to greener shipping.
