COSCO Conducts World’s First Green Ammonia Bunkering in Dalian

COSCO SHIPPING subsidiary SINOBUNKER has completed what is believed to be the world’s first green ammonia bunkering operation, marking a milestone in maritime decarbonization. The event took place on July 25, 2025, at COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry’s terminal in DALIAN, where green ammonia—produced entirely from renewable electricity—was safely transferred to a dual-fuel tug.

The ammonia was supplied from Envision’s facility in Inner Mongolia, which uses wind, solar, and AI-optimized storage to produce renewable ammonia. The fuel was certified under the ISCC PLUS scheme and awarded “renewable ammonia” status by Bureau Veritas, the first of its kind globally. The bunkered vessel achieved a 91% ammonia combustion ratio, and the project received class approval from China Classification Society.

This marks the first time green ammonia has been used in a live marine fueling operation under commercial conditions. COSCO called it a “transformational step” in support of China’s national carbon goals and the IMO’s long-term decarbonization strategy. The model also demonstrates how ammonia can be integrated into bunkering logistics, with full traceability and regulatory compliance.

Ammonia is gaining traction as a marine fuel thanks to its high energy density, zero carbon combustion, and growing regulatory support. While safety and NOₓ emissions remain operational challenges, technical advances—alongside support from classification societies and energy majors—are helping establish it as a serious candidate for deep-sea shipping. With over 100 ammonia-capable vessels now in development, and COSCO’s own ammonia-powered bulkers on order for clients like BHP, this operation positions China—and COSCO—as front-runners in green fuel adoption.

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