The Port of Hamburg is working towards becoming bunker-ready for ammonia, following the development of a risk analysis and safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering carried out in collaboration with energy company MB Energy.

The work was conducted in close cooperation with terminal operators, shipping company representatives and local authorities, according to the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA). The focus is on enabling the future bunkering of container ships, cruise ships, and ro-ro and ConRo vessels with ammonia.

"With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely," the port authority stated.

MB Energy is planning an ammonia import terminal, which is expected to be operational from 2029. According to HPA, the terminal is intended to contribute to the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel at ports in northern Germany over the long term. The use of an ammonia bunker barge is also under consideration as a potential addition to landside infrastructure, which could extend bunkering capability beyond the port itself.

Ammonia is attracting growing attention across the shipping industry as a zero-carbon fuel candidate, given that it contains no carbon and can be produced using renewable energy. However, its toxicity and corrosive properties present handling and safety challenges that require careful planning before commercial bunkering operations can begin.

The preparatory work in Hamburg forms part of a broader push by European ports to position themselves as the shipping sector moves to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in line with International Maritime Organization targets.