This is a business brief by JETRO released on August 15, 2025, regarding the world's first green ammonia marine fuel bunkering.
World's First Technology Demonstration and Significance
According to an announcement by COSCO SHIPPING, its subsidiary Sinopec Marine Fuel Supply conducted the world's first green ammonia marine fuel bunkering for a 5,500 horsepower ammonia-powered port work vessel on July 25 in Dalian, Liaoning Province. This made Dalian Port the world's first port to have complete alternative fuel bunkering capabilities for biofuels, green methanol, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and green ammonia.
Technical Specifications and Environmental Certification
The supplied green ammonia was manufactured using 100% green electricity in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, achieving a complete value chain from "green electricity-based ammonia production → green ammonia transport → fuel bunkering → vessel operation." This fuel obtained International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) and further received the world's first renewable ammonia certification from international inspection agency Bureau Veritas.
Vessel Technology and Substitution Rate
The port work vessel receiving fuel bunkering is China's first ammonia-powered vessel, equipped with core equipment including independently developed ammonia dual-fuel engines, ammonia fuel supply systems, and fuel tanks. Two full-pressure ammonia fuel tanks placed on both sides of the main deck realize stable fuel supply, with the maximum ammonia energy substitution rate reaching 91%.
China's Policy Background
This initiative is based on the "Action Plan for Achieving Carbon Peak by 2030" published by the State Council in October 2021 and the "Action Plan for Large-scale Equipment Renewal in Transportation" jointly published by 13 departments in August 2024. Dalian has also conducted China's first bonded green methanol fuel bunkering in Northeast China on July 15 and China's first LNG carrier fuel bunkering in Northern China on July 20, with comprehensive improvement in green fuel supply capabilities progressing.
The article demonstrates that China is leading the world in technological innovation and practical application in shipping industry decarbonization, successfully establishing a complete alternative fuel supply chain.