Playbook: adopting hydrogen & e‑fuels in 90 days – focusing on ammonia for shipping

where the value pools are (and who captures them) when adopting hydrogen & e‑fuels for shipping in Asia‑Pacific within 90 days; emphasising ammonia fuel.

Executive Summary

Decarbonising the shipping industry is essential for meeting global climate goals. The Asia‑Pacific region is home to many of the world’s busiest ports and manufacturing centres, so its choices will shape the trajectory of zero‑emission fuels. Ammonia produced from renewable hydrogen is emerging as a promising energy carrier because it can be handled as a liquid at moderate conditions and has high energy density. Recent pilots in Singapore and Australia demonstrate that ammonia bunkering can be done safely when risk assessments, specialised equipment and trained crews are employed. At the same time, only a handful of ammonia‑fuelled vessels exist and green ammonia represents less than one percent of supply. Unlocking the value pools requires co‑ordinated investment in production, port infrastructure, vessel retrofits, digital measurement and cross‑sector partnerships. This playbook outlines a 90‑day plan to prepare for ammonia adoption, highlighting near‑term actions, opportunities and risks.

Key takeaways

• Emerging value pools: Most of the investment needed to decarbonise shipping is on land; up to eighty‑seven percent is in production plants, storage and port infrastructure. Value accrues to producers of green and blue ammonia, port operators building bunkering capacity, engine manufacturers, training providers and digital MRV service providers.
• First movers are showing the way: Singapore’s shore‑to‑ship pilot and Australia’s Pilbara demonstration prove that ammonia transfer can be performed safely using double‑walled pipes, gas detection and automatic shutdowns. Classification societies have developed recommended practices and notations.
• Cross‑sector partnerships matter: Demand from power utilities in Japan and South Korea, which plan to import millions of tonnes of ammonia for co‑firing, is likely to build supply chains that shipping can leverage. Shipping companies should align timing with power‑sector build‑outs and explore joint offtake agreements.
• Safety and regulation are paramount: Ammonia is highly toxic – inhaling concentrations as low as 0.25 percent can be fatal. Bunkering operations require specialised equipment and trained crews, and ports must upgrade facilities and adopt robust risk management.
• 90‑day roadmap: Within three months, companies can map value pools, assess risks, engage partners, design pilot projects, implement digital measurement systems and prepare for scale. This playbook breaks the process into three phases – Align & Assess, Plan & Design, Pilot & Prepare – to help decision‑makers act quickly.

Why It Matters

Shipping accounts for roughly three percent of global greenhouse‑gas emissions. The Asia‑Pacific region dominates maritime trade, meaning its choices about fuel adoption will have outsized impact. Ammonia produced from renewable electricity offers a pathway to zero‑carbon shipping without the cryogenic complexity of liquefied hydrogen. It can be stored and transported as a liquid near ambient temperature and pressure, and existing industrial supply chains transport millions of tonnes each year. However, most of today’s ammonia is “grey” and derived from natural gas; scaling up green production will require unprecedented investment and policy support. Moreover, ammonia’s toxicity means ports and crews must adopt stringent safety protocols and communities must accept new infrastructure.

By adopting hydrogen‑derived fuels early, Asia‑Pacific shipping companies can secure access to limited supplies, capture premium freight rates from customers seeking green corridors, and avoid future carbon levies. Conversely, failing to prepare could leave fleets stranded when regulations tighten. Because the bulk of investment lies in onshore production plants, storage, pipelines and digital measurement systems, partnerships with energy producers, power utilities and regulators are critical.

Key Concepts and Market Fundamentals

What is ammonia and why use it for shipping?

Ammonia (NH₃) is a colourless gas at room temperature that liquefies under modest pressure. It is widely produced for fertiliser and industry and can be burned in internal‑combustion engines or cracked to yield hydrogen for fuel cells. When made using renewable electricity (green ammonia) or natural gas with carbon capture (blue ammonia), it contains minimal fossil‑carbon emissions. Because it stores hydrogen in a denser, easier‑to‑handle form, ammonia offers logistical advantages over liquefied hydrogen. However, it is corrosive and toxic; inhaling concentrations around 2,500 parts per million (0.25 percent) can be deadly. That risk necessitates double‑walled piping, gas dispersion modelling, remote shutdown systems and well‑trained crews.

Value pools in the ammonia fuel transition

Decarbonising shipping is not just about replacing fossil fuel with a cleaner molecule; it reshapes the entire value chain. The major value pools include:

1. Ammonia producers: Companies that invest in green and blue ammonia plants will capture margins from fuel sales. Demand from power utilities in Japan and South Korea is poised to anchor long‑term contracts. Shipping companies can piggyback on this demand through joint offtake agreements.
2. Port and bunkering infrastructure: Most decarbonisation spending is on land; 87 percent of investment is in production, storage and distribution rather than onboard technology. Ports that build ammonia bunkering capacity first can attract early adopters and capture fueling fees.
3. Vessel retrofitting and engine technology: Engine makers developing ammonia‑capable propulsion systems and shipyards retrofitting existing vessels will benefit from early demand. Only a few ammonia‑fuelled ships exist today, leaving a large upgrade market.
4. Safety and training services: Because ammonia is highly toxic, there is a market for specialised equipment, safety systems, crew training and risk assessment. Classification societies and consultancies that provide recommended practices stand to capture value.
5. Digital MRV and product passports: Regulators and customers will demand proof of carbon intensity, origin and safety compliance. Digital measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) platforms and product passports (akin to those emerging for batteries) will become essential.
6. Cross‑sector synergies: Aligning with power utilities that require ammonia for co‑firing can unlock economies of scale. Shipping companies partnering with energy producers can secure better pricing and guarantee supply.

Safety and regulatory fundamentals

Safety is the defining challenge for ammonia as a marine fuel. The International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low‑Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) covers general requirements, but classification societies have developed specific notations and recommended practices for ammonia. The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation’s shore‑to‑ship pilot in Singapore evaluated more than four hundred risk scenarios, leading to protocols that include segregated transfer zones, double‑walled pipes, leak detection and rapid shutdown systems. Ports must establish safety zones and crews must be trained to handle spills and vapour clouds. Community engagement and transparency are vital because public perception can make or break projects; port authorities remain cautious due to ammonia’s toxicity and odour.

Market status and timeline

Ammonia as a marine fuel is still nascent. As of late 2025 there were only three ammonia‑fuelled vessels in operation and thirty‑seven on order. Most ammonia is produced from natural gas; green ammonia accounts for less than one percent of supply. Large‑scale demand from the power sector is expected to materialise in the early 2030s, particularly in Japan and South Korea, creating conditions for shipping adoption. Shipping is likely to follow as vessels and bunkering infrastructure become available. Blue ammonia may serve as a bridge, offering lower‑cost zero‑carbon fuel until green supply scales.

What’s Working

Despite its early stage, several developments provide confidence that ammonia can become a viable marine fuel:

1. Singapore’s shore‑to‑ship pilot: In 2024 the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Fortescue Metals Group and other partners completed the world’s first shore‑to‑ship ammonia bunkering pilot in Singapore. The operation transferred ammonia to the Green Pioneer vessel using a dedicated bunkering system. DNV provided technology qualification and awarded a Gas Fuelled Ammonia notation. The project drew on a 2022 safety study that analysed more than four hundred risk scenarios and helped develop transfer protocols.
2. Australia’s ship‑to‑ship demonstration: In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, DNV supported a demonstration of ship‑to‑ship ammonia transfer. This showed that even remote industrial ports can manage ammonia safely with appropriate equipment and procedures.
3. Emerging standards and training programmes: Classification societies have issued recommended practices for ammonia bunkering, covering safety assessments, design, crew training and emergency response. Companies can leverage these guidelines to accelerate pilot projects.
4. Cross‑sector demand: Governments and utilities in Japan and South Korea plan to co‑fire ammonia in coal power plants from the early 2030s. These plans involve contracts for millions of tonnes of ammonia annually and billions of dollars of investment. Shipping companies that partner with these utilities can secure supply and benefit from economies of scale.
5. Blue‑ammonia bridges: Until green ammonia is abundant, blue ammonia derived from natural gas with carbon capture offers a lower‑cost zero‑carbon option. The availability of blue ammonia can help build early supply chains and reduce the price for shipping.

What Isn’t Working

While momentum is building, significant barriers remain:

1. Limited green supply: Green ammonia accounts for less than one percent of global production. The current ammonia network is configured for fertiliser markets, not bunkering. Achieving meaningful adoption will require billions of dollars of new capacity and renewable electricity.
2. Safety risks and perception: Ammonia is highly toxic and flammable. Even small leaks can create fatal concentrations. Port authorities and communities are cautious, and public acceptance is uncertain.
3. Infrastructure gaps: Existing ports lack storage tanks, transfer arms, vapour recovery systems and emergency equipment tailored to ammonia. Upgrading facilities takes time and capital.
4. Regulatory uncertainty: International and national regulations for ammonia fuel are still evolving. Classification societies provide guidance, but harmonised standards and insurance frameworks are needed.
5. Dependence on other sectors: The pace of adoption depends heavily on the power sector. If utilities delay large‑scale ammonia co‑firing, shipping may struggle to secure supply and finance projects.
6. Cost and financing hurdles: Decarbonising shipping with ammonia could cost up to $1–1.4 trillion, and most of this investment must be made on shore. Investors are wary without clear policy signals and long‑term offtake contracts.

A Quick Framework for Adopting Ammonia in 90 Days

This playbook divides the journey into three 30‑day phases. Each phase builds on the previous one, enabling companies to move quickly from concept to pilot.

Days 1–30: Align and Assess

• Clarify objectives and value pools. Identify why ammonia adoption makes sense for your routes and customers. Consider potential premium freight rates, carbon levy avoidance, first‑mover branding and alignment with power‑sector demand.
• Conduct a high‑level feasibility assessment. Review the 400‑scenario risk study and recommended practices from classification societies. Evaluate your current fleet, crew capabilities, port access and regulatory landscape.
• Map stakeholders and partners. List potential suppliers of green and blue ammonia, engine and retrofit vendors, port authorities, regulators and financiers. Determine each party’s incentives and readiness.
• Establish an emissions baseline. Measure current fuel consumption and carbon emissions using accepted MRV methodologies. Set a baseline for future reporting and carbon credits. Begin exploring digital product passport frameworks to track fuel origin and carbon intensity.
• Develop an internal business case. Estimate costs, savings and risks. Recognise that 87 percent of investment is on shore and factor in training and safety equipment costs.

Days 31–60: Plan and Design

• Secure partnerships and offtake agreements. Engage green and blue ammonia producers, particularly those supplying power utilities in Japan or South Korea. Explore joint offtake agreements or consortia to anchor demand.
• Engage port authorities and design bunkering systems. Begin discussions with your home ports and potential trans‑shipment hubs. Evaluate sites for tanks, pipelines and transfer arms. Integrate safety features like double‑walled piping, gas detectors, vapour dispersion modelling and emergency shutdowns. Plan for community engagement to address health and safety concerns.
• Develop MRV and digital passport architecture. Identify data points needed to track carbon intensity and ensure compliance with future regulations. Evaluate digital ledger technologies to record fuel origin, pathway and handling. Align with emerging standards for product passports in other sectors.
• Design crew training programmes. Work with classification societies and training providers to develop curricula covering ammonia handling, leak detection, emergency response and environmental monitoring.
• Explore financing and incentives. Investigate government grants, tax credits, loan guarantees and carbon credit schemes. Consider pooling capital with other shippers to build shared infrastructure.

Days 61–90: Pilot and Prepare for Scale

• Execute a pilot transfer. Coordinate with a partner port to conduct a small‑scale bunkering operation. Replicate elements of the Singapore pilot: segregated transfer zones, full protective equipment, real‑time gas monitoring and rapid shutdown capabilities. Capture operational data and integrate it into your MRV system.
• Train and certify personnel. Complete training courses for all crew and port staff involved. Conduct drills for leak response, firefighting and evacuation. Evaluate performance and refine procedures.
• Finalise commercial agreements. Negotiate supply contracts, price formulas and delivery schedules. Secure fuel volumes that align with your planned deployment schedule and hedge against price volatility.
• Implement digital product passports. Launch your MRV and digital passport platform to record fuel provenance, carbon intensity, safety compliance and chain‑of‑custody from producer to vessel. Use pilot data to calibrate the system.
• Plan for scaling beyond 90 days. Develop a roadmap to retrofit more vessels, expand bunkering locations and integrate with power‑sector ammonia markets. Identify key investments and policy milestones between now and 2035.

Fast‑Moving Segments to Watch

• Green ammonia production hubs. Large green‑ammonia projects are under development in Australia, the Middle East and other regions. Watching which projects reach final investment decision (FID) will help gauge future supply.
• Blue ammonia export projects. Blue‑ammonia plants in the United States and Middle East could supply Asia in the near term and offer a cost bridge.
• Next‑generation propulsion systems. Engine makers in Japan, South Korea and Europe are developing ammonia‑ready engines and dual‑fuel systems. Orders placed now will shape the fleet from the early 2030s onward.
• Integrated power‑shipping corridors. Partnerships between utilities and shipping lines to create “green corridors” linking fuel producers, power plants and shipping routes are emerging.
• Digital MRV and safety analytics. Start‑ups and established firms are developing sensors, data platforms and AI‑driven analytics to monitor ammonia handling and emissions. Adoption will accelerate as regulators demand verifiable data.

Checklist for Decision‑Makers

• ☐ Read the GCMD risk study and DNV’s recommended practice for ammonia bunkering.
• ☐ Map your routes and assess where ammonia supply and bunkering infrastructure could emerge.
• ☐ Engage potential fuel suppliers and power utilities to explore joint offtake deals.
• ☐ Work with port authorities early to design safe bunkering systems and plan community outreach.
• ☐ Build an MRV baseline and choose a digital passport solution to track fuel origin and emissions.
• ☐ Invest in crew training and safety equipment; incorporate risk‑management costs into your business case.
• ☐ Execute a small‑scale pilot within 90 days to test procedures and collect data.
• ☐ Plan financing and consider pooling resources with other shippers; 87 percent of investment is on land.
• ☐ Continue refining your roadmap to align with power‑sector build‑outs and regulatory developments.

FAQ

Why choose ammonia instead of hydrogen for shipping? Ammonia liquefies at moderate pressure and temperature, whereas hydrogen must be cooled to –253 °C or compressed to extremely high pressures. This makes storage and handling easier for ships. Ammonia also has a long history as an industrial commodity. However, it is highly toxic, so comprehensive risk management is required.

How safe is ammonia fuel and what measures mitigate risks? Ammonia can be fatal at concentrations of just 0.25 percent in air. Safety measures include dedicated bunkering systems with double‑walled pipes, continuous gas detection, vapour dispersion modelling, segregated transfer zones, personal protective equipment and thorough crew training.

What’s the difference between green and blue ammonia? Green ammonia is made by electrolysing water using renewable electricity, while blue ammonia is produced from natural gas with carbon capture. Green ammonia has virtually zero upstream emissions but costs more due to the price of renewable hydrogen. Blue ammonia can be cheaper and serve as a bridge fuel until green supply scales.

How soon can shipping adopt ammonia fuel at scale? Only three ammonia‑fuelled ships exist today, with thirty‑seven on order. Large‑scale adoption is unlikely before the early 2030s. It depends on power utilities creating demand that enables low‑cost supply, regulatory clarity, infrastructure build‑out and market acceptance.

What role does the power sector play? Utilities in Japan and South Korea plan to co‑fire ammonia with coal, requiring millions of tonnes of supply. Their long‑term contracts provide demand certainty for producers and can anchor supply chains that shipping companies can leverage. Aligning timelines and partnering with these utilities can help shippers secure volumes.

What is MRV and why is a digital product passport needed? MRV stands for measurement, reporting and verification. To claim emissions reductions and meet regulatory requirements, companies must document the origin, carbon intensity and handling of fuel. A digital product passport records this information across the supply chain, enabling verifiable claims and facilitating trade. For ammonia, MRV will track where the hydrogen and nitrogen came from, whether carbon capture was used and how the fuel was transported.

Sources

• Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation. (2025). Singapore Shore-to-Ship Ammonia Bunkering Pilot Report. GCMD.
• DNV. (2025). Recommended Practice for Ammonia Bunkering Operations. DNV.
• Lloyd's Register. (2025). Ammonia-Fuelled Vessels Fleet Status Report. Lloyd's Register.
• International Energy Agency. (2025). Ammonia Technology Roadmap. IEA.
• McKinsey & Company. (2025). Decarbonising Shipping: Investment Requirements Analysis. McKinsey & Company.
• S&P Global Commodity Insights. (2025). E-Fuels and Renewable Hydrogen Market Outlook. S&P Global.
• Government of Japan. (2025). Ammonia Co-Firing Strategy for Power Generation. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.