CF Industries Holdings, Trafigura and TFG Marine have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at supporting the adoption of low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel.
The agreement sets out a framework for collaboration across the low-carbon ammonia supply chain, building on earlier cooperation between CF Industries and Trafigura involving shipments of low-carbon ammonia. Under the MOU, the three companies will work together on market development, stakeholder engagement and planning for bunkering logistics, with an initial geographic focus on the US Gulf Coast and Northwest Europe.
CF Industries will provide low-carbon ammonia production and export capacity from its Donaldsonville, Louisiana, complex. Trafigura will contribute its experience in commodity trading, logistics and market development, while TFG Marine will support bunkering and last-mile delivery through its global marine fuel supply network. TFG Marine is a joint venture between Trafigura, Frontline and Golden Ocean Group.
“We are pleased to collaborate with industry leaders such as Trafigura and TFG Marine to establish the supply chain necessary to meet the expected transition of the marine shipping industry to low-carbon ammonia as a fuel,” said Bert Frost, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, CF Industries.
According to the companies, the collaboration is intended to address practical challenges around the commercialization of ammonia as a marine fuel, including coordinating demand, transporting ammonia to bunkering hubs and developing the infrastructure needed for safe and reliable bunkering operations.
“This agreement brings together the critical components needed to advance low-carbon ammonia as a viable marine fuel,” said Patricio Norris, global head of ammonia and LPG at Trafigura. “Through this collaboration with CF Industries and TFG Marine, we are combining world-class production capabilities with our global logistics and bunkering network to support the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.”
TFG Marine said its role will center on connecting production with vessel operators through existing fuel supply and bunkering capabilities.
“Our global bunkering infrastructure and operational expertise position us to play a key role in delivering low-carbon ammonia fuel solutions to the shipping industry. This collaboration with CF Industries and Trafigura enables us to develop the supply chain and logistics capabilities needed to make low-carbon ammonia bunkering a commercial reality for vessel operators worldwide,” said Kenneth Dam, executive director of TFG Marine.
The companies said the MOU reflects growing industry interest in ammonia as a potential zero- or low-carbon fuel option for deep-sea shipping, particularly in regions with established production and export infrastructure.
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