Ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers could feasibly be deployed on the South Africa–Europe iron ore route from 2029 and reach full decarbonisation by 2035, according to the Global Maritime Forum (GMF).
The feasibility study, developed with Anglo American, CMB.TECH, Freeport Saldanha, VUKA Marine, and ENGIE, identify the corridor between Saldanha Bay and Rotterdam as one of the first potential Global South-to-North green shipping routes.
Saldanha Bay, South Africa’s main iron ore export terminal, is already planning ammonia production and port upgrades to support bunkering operations. Early on, vessels would likely refuel in Rotterdam, while Saldanha builds up local capability to become the corridor’s long-term green ammonia hub.
“This phased approach gives shipowners and fuel producers a clear timeline to work toward, and we now need coordinated action from policymakers and industry to make this a reality by 2029,” said Shanon Neumann, Associate: Investment Facilitation at Freeport Saldanha. “However, to help Saldanha Bay transition quickly, blending public and private funding can unlock investment in infrastructure and reduce the risks of early projects.”
GMF said European policies such as the FuelEU Maritime regulation and the Emissions Trading System are already helping to close the cost gap between green ammonia and conventional fuels.
“With binding global regulations delayed for now, there remains a business case to be made for green ammonia on this corridor,” said Marieke Beckmann, Global Maritime Forum deputy director of decarbonisation. “The role of national and local governments becomes increasingly important in incentivising the adoption of scalable zero-emission fuels.”
