Energy firm Mabanaft and Hapag-Lloyd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate options for the supply of ammonia as bunker fuel at the Port of Hamburg in Germany and also to the Port of Houston in the US state of Texas.
The companies said they will evaluate the commercial, technical, and regulatory requirements and engage with all relevant stakeholders as part of this initiative in Germany and that a similar assessment will be done for Houston.
Mabanaft said it is in the process of developing infrastructure in Hamburg for import and supply of clean ammonia for a lead customer, along with a larger infrastructure investment program to create a platform for low carbon fuel alternatives.
In November, Mabanaft announced the intention to build Germany’s first large-scale, green energy import terminal in Hamburg, together with project partner Air Products. The project is an important step towards the development of a green ammonia import and distribution infrastructure in Hamburg.
Targeted to provide hydrogen to Germany in 2026, the planned import terminal is to be located at Mabanaft’s existing Blumensand terminal in the port.
We play an active role in shaping the energy transition and offer our customers innovative fuel solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
said Volker Ebeling, Mabanaft senior vice president of New Energy, Chemicals and Gas.
Jan Christensen, Hapag-Lloyd senior director Global Fuel Purchasing further added that “when produced with renewable energy, ammonia is a promising sustainable fuel that may become an integral part of the energy mix of future maritime shipping.”
