Yara Clean Ammonia has commenced construction of what it claims will be the world's first renewable ammonia-powered container ship following a steel cutting ceremony for the Yara Eyde vessel.

The ship is being developed through a partnership between Yara Clean Ammonia, Yara International, CMB.TECH, and North Sea Container Line, and is scheduled to operate on the Oslo—Porsgrunn—Bremerhaven—Rotterdam route.

According to the companies, the vessel will connect industrial clusters while reducing emissions compared to conventional marine fuels.

"This is more than the start of a ship — it is the start of a new chapter in maritime decarbonisation," said Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia. "Yara Eyde embodies our ambition to make low-emission ammonia a reality for shipping and to inspire the industry toward solutions that reduce emissions."

Bente Hetland, CEO of North Sea Container Line, said: "North Sea Container Line has always sought to offer competitive and sustainable logistics solutions. Yara Eyde is a perfect example of how close collaboration across the value chain can bring cutting-edge technology into commercial operation and deliver tangible benefits for cargo owners and customers alike."

The project forms part of the maritime industry's exploration of alternative fuels as it seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ammonia is being considered as a potential marine fuel due to its zero-carbon combustion properties, though challenges remain around safety, infrastructure, and engine technology.

Yara Clean Ammonia describes itself as the world's largest shipper and trader of ammonia. The company operates what it says is the largest global ammonia network with 15 ships and has access to 18 ammonia terminals through Yara.

The company reported revenues of $1.8 billion and EBITDA of $117 million for the 2024 financial year. Yara Clean Ammonia is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.