CF Industries Holdings, Trafigura, and TFG Marine have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the use of low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel, the companies announced on 15 January.

The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation on market development, stakeholder engagement, and planning for bunkering logistics. Initial activity will focus on the US Gulf Coast and Northwest Europe, according to the parties.

Under the arrangement, CF Industries will draw on its low-carbon ammonia production and export capabilities at its Donaldsonville, Louisiana, complex. Trafigura will contribute experience in commodity logistics and market development, while TFG Marine will use its marine fuel supply network and bunkering operations to support delivery solutions, coordinate ammonia bunkering demand and facilitate transport to bunkering hubs.

TFG Marine is a joint venture between Trafigura, Frontline and Golden Ocean Group.

The companies said the collaboration builds on existing work between CF Industries and Trafigura involving shipments of low-carbon ammonia.

Bert Frost, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, CF Industries, said, "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."

Patricio Norris, Global Head of Ammonia and LPG, Trafigura, said, "This agreement brings together the critical components needed to advance low-carbon ammonia as a viable marine fuel. 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."

Kenneth Dam, Executive Director, TFG Marine, said, "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."