- Full-scale ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering simulation carried out in the port of Rotterdam on 12 April 2025 under the EU-funded MAGPIE project.
- Chemical tested: ammonia as a marine fuel.
- Key participants: Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and the Port of Rotterdam.
- Demonstration validated Rotterdam's ammonia safety framework and the IAPH Port Readiness Tool; a consolidated report has been published publicly.
Overview
The shipping sector is exploring ammonia as a low‑carbon fuel, but its toxicity and hazards require robust safety procedures, specialised equipment and clear regulatory frameworks before wider deployment.
Demonstration
A full‑scale ship‑to‑ship ammonia bunkering simulation was carried out in the port of Rotterdam on 12 April 2025 under the EU‑funded MAGPIE project; the exercise took place within an active port environment and was executed by the project consortium led by the Mærsk Mc‑Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and partners.
Findings and guidance
The demonstration concluded that ammonia bunkering can be performed safely when carefully planned and managed within a strong safety and regulatory framework; it validated Rotterdam’s ammonia safety framework and the IAPH Port Readiness Tool, and the partners have published a consolidated report providing practical validation sheets, recommendations and operational guidance for ports, regulators and industry stakeholders to inform future permitting and preparedness.
