Norway’s Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA) has struck a long-term contract with Navigator Amon Shipping covering two ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier newbuilds.
The 51,000 cu m vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines and ice-class notation, providing year-round access to Northern Europe while enabling operations on renewable and low-emission fuels.
YCA said the deal strengthens its plan to develop cost-efficient, scalable supply chains to support the emerging low-emission ammonia trade. The ships are expected to lower freight costs per tonne, boost operational flexibility and ensure compliance with tightening environmental rules.
“Building scalable, reliable supply chains is critical to unlocking the hydrogen economy,” said Hans Olav Raen, CEO of YCA, adding that this contract is a “logistical and cost-efficient way to move large volumes of ammonia to Europe.”
Oslo-based YCA operates a fleet of 15 ammonia carriers and, through parent company Yara, has access to 18 ammonia terminals as well as multiple production and consumption sites worldwide.
The newbuilds were ordered by Navigator Amon Shipping earlier this year at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering. Each vessel, priced at about $84m, will be capable of carrying ammonia and LPG. Deliveries are slated for June and October 2028.
Each project has secured around $9m in funding support from Norway’s Enova.
Navigator will hold an 80% stake in the joint venture, with Amon Maritime retaining the balance, subject to final agreements. The two companies said a the time the charter would be for five years.
Navigator’s chief commercial officer, Oeyvind Lindeman, said the tie-up with YCA supports the creation of “core infrastructure” to accelerate the uptake of clean energy and ensure regulatory compliance.
