On July 25, 2025, SINOBUNKER, a subsidiary of China's COSCO SHIPPING Corporation, achieved a significant milestone by conducting the world's first green marine ammonia bunkering operation in Dalian, China. This pioneering event utilized green ammonia produced entirely with renewable electricity, marking a crucial advancement in China's shipping decarbonization strategy and establishing a replicable technical model for the international sector. The certified green ammonia, which received ISCC Plus and Bureau Veritas Renewable Ammonia Certification, offers a transformative solution for reducing vessel emissions, yielding only nitrogen and water upon combustion, a stark contrast to the pollutants from conventional marine fuels. This operation follows China's earlier achievement of its first domestic ammonia bunkering in January 2025, underscoring a consistent drive towards cleaner maritime energy.
The successful bunkering operation in Dalian represents a profound step in China's commitment to its "dual carbon" goals. As a global leader in maritime and shipbuilding, China's proactive engagement in developing and implementing green shipping technologies is pivotal. This event positions Dalian Port as a burgeoning hub for multiple alternative fuels, including biofuel, green methanol, LNG, and now green ammonia, enhancing its role in Northeast Asia's green energy landscape. The global shipping industry, facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, views ammonia as a leading contender for decarbonization due to its zero-carbon combustion properties when produced sustainably. While challenges related to infrastructure development, safety protocols, and managing potential nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions persist, this successful bunkering demonstrates tangible progress and provides a clear pathway for other ports and shipping companies to follow, fostering a collaborative global effort to transition towards a more sustainable maritime future.