Norwegian fertiliser giant Yara has announced it will modify existing terminals in Germany to increase ammonia import capacity to 3mn t/yr, equivalent to c.530,000t/yr of hydrogen.

Yara operates two deep-sea terminals for ammonia in Brunsbuettel and Rostock. The former has only export facilities, while the latter imports 600,000t/yr.

“By summer 2023, our export terminal in Brunsbuettel will be modified to import as well. In addition, the terminal in Rostock can increase the imported volumes,” says Yves Bauwens, Yara’s plant manager at the Brunsbuettel terminal. These modifications will increase import capacity to 3mn t/yr, and with additional tank capacity, the firm could expand its import capacity even further, he adds.

600,000t/yr – Current ammonia import capacity at Rostock

The announcement comes as Germany and Norway seek to strengthen cooperation on hydrogen, including a potential pipeline between the two nations and a memorandum of understanding between energy firms Equinor and RWE. Last month, Germany opened its first tender for green ammonia via its H2Global scheme, with first deliveries expected by 2024 or early 2025.

“As we develop our decarbonised projects across the world, we will import clean ammonia to Germany using Yara's fleet of ammonia carriers, the largest in the world,” says Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, president of Yara’s clean ammonia subsidiary. The subsidiary operates a network of 12 ships and has access to more than 18 terminals through Yara.

As a group, Yara produces and consumes 7pc of European hydrogen.

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Author: Polly Martin