Fertilizers

CF, Trafi sign low-carbon ammonia bunkering agreement

CF, Trafi sign low-carbon ammonia bunkering agreement

London, 16 January (Argus) — US fertilizer producer CF Industries, global trading firm Trafigura and marine fuel supplier TFG Marine have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop low-carbon ammonia as a marine fuel, targeting future bunkering demand in the US Gulf coast and northwest Europe. The firms will work together to develop a market for ammonia as a marine fuel through stakeholder engagement and bunkering logistics planning, they said. The partners did not disclose any timelines for possible bunkering operations or expected volumes. The agreement builds on CF and Trafigura's previous collaboration in October last year, when the two companies partnered to ship CF's first ‘certified low-carbon' ammonia cargo to Europe. Trafigura already lifts both grey and low-carbon volumes on a contract basis from CF's Donaldsonville plant in Louisiana, which is currently the largest ammonia and nitrogen production facility in the world. CF has also taken a final investment decision on a 1.4mn t /yr ammonia project in Louisiana which could come on line by 2030, where up to 95pc of CO2 emissions will be captured and stored. The fertilizer producer has made various efforts to reduce its own emissions, monetising its greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement efforts through tax and carbon credits . Trafigura will work alongside the fertilizer firm to support market development and logistics. The trading firm currently has four ammonia-fuelled gas carriers (MGCs) on order , which will all be delivered by 2028. TFG Marine, the bunkering joint venture between Trafigura, Frontline and CMB. TECH, of which Trafigura owns 75pc, will focus on last-mile delivery and establishing ammonia bunkering hubs. Ammonia is one of several alternative fuels being considered by shipowners as the sector seeks to cut emissions. Current ammonia trade flows are dominated by fertilizer and industrial demand, with major export hubs in the US Gulf, Middle East and Trinidad supplying Europe, Asia and South America. The development of ammonia as a marine fuel could eventually redirect volumes toward emerging production hubs in the US Gulf and key bunkering ports in northwest Europe. But any shifts in trade flows will depend on the pace of vessel adoption and the development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure, which remains at an early stage. By Lauren Hadeed Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.