Ammonia is a hydrogen carrier of energy for use in the transport sector and as a carbon-free shipping fuel.

The plans to enable handling of up to 3 million t of ammonia, roughly equal to 530,000 t of hydrogen, are part of the Norwegian group’s aim to increase its global production of clean ammonia to supply Germany’s growing demand.

Yara operates two deep sea terminals for ammonia in Brunsbüttel and Rostock. The company said the Rostock facility is Germany’s largest ammonia storage capacity, currently importing 600,000 t/y.

"By summer 2023 our export terminal in Brunsbüttel will be modified to import as well. In addition, the terminal in Rostock can increase the imported volumes. In total Yara would be able to deliver 3 million tonnes of clean ammonia if demand is there. With additional tank capacity we can expand our import capacity much further," said Yves Bauwens, plant manager in Brunsbüttel.

The Oslo-based group regards itself as the world’s largest distributor of ammonia, as well as being a major hydrogen player, producing and consuming about 7% of the European market.

Subsidiary Yara Clean Ammonia is currently undertaking several decarbonization projects worldwide, where carbon emissions from blue ammonia production are captured and permanently stored. "As we develop our decarbonized projects across the world, we will import clean ammonia to Germany using Yara's fleet of ammonia carriers, the largest in the world," said Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, president of Yara Clean Ammonia.

As part of Germany’s plans to scale up its hydrogen economy, US industrial gases producer Air Products and Oiltanking Deutschland teamed up late last year to build an ammonia import terminal in the Port of Hamburg. The facility, to be located at the site of Oiltanking Deutschland’s parent Mabanaft, is planned to be operational by 2026.

In the Initial stage of the German project, the ammonia made as a byproduct in Air Products’ green hydrogen processing facilities worldwide will be converted by the gases producer to green hydrogen on-site.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist