Yara Clean Ammonia and Cepsa have formed a strategic partnership to create the inaugural clean hydrogen maritime corridor connecting the ports of Algeciras and Rotterdam.
This initiative aims to decarbonize European industry and maritime transport, providing a safe and cost-efficient supply chain for clean ammonia and hydrogen. The partnership allows Cepsa to lead the way in establishing the corridor, catering to industrial and maritime customers in Rotterdam and Central Europe.
The collaboration between Yara Clean Ammonia and Cepsa signifies a significant milestone in Europe’s clean energy transformation. Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, President of Yara Clean Ammonia, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in establishing a robust supply chain for clean energy and securing the clean transformation goals of both companies. By leveraging Yara Clean Ammonia’s global supply base and logistical expertise, Cepsa will be able to deliver clean hydrogen and clean ammonia to its customers, kick-starting the transition to cleaner fuels in the region.
Maarten Wetselaar, CEO of Cepsa, highlights the significance of today’s agreements in realizing the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley and creating a sustainable maritime corridor for Europe. Green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as clean ammonia, are pivotal in accelerating the energy transition in heavy transport and ensuring energy independence in Europe. The partnership with Yara Clean Ammonia provides Cepsa with access to crucial markets, customers, and distribution infrastructure, unlocking the potential of the Hydrogen Valley and driving decarbonization efforts.
As part of the alliance, Yara Clean Ammonia joins the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, and the two companies will collaborate extensively to develop a robust supply chain for the clean hydrogen corridor. Cepsa plans to construct a new green ammonia plant in San Roque, Cádiz, with an annual production capacity of up to 750,000 tons, strengthening the supply chain and enabling the delivery of clean hydrogen to industrial and maritime customers.
The establishment of the clean hydrogen maritime corridor between Algeciras and Rotterdam is a significant step towards uniting southern and northern Europe in the pursuit of clean energy solutions. The partnership aligns with the European Commission’s Fit for 55 package, which aims to stimulate demand for sustainable alternative fuels in maritime transport, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Clean ammonia emerges as a sustainable solution for maritime fuel, offering carbon neutrality in both its production and use.
Transporting ammonia is more efficient and sustainable than hydrogen, as it can be transported at higher temperatures. The clean ammonia can be converted back into hydrogen for distribution, with a terminal being constructed in the Port of Rotterdam for this purpose. This will facilitate the channeling of clean hydrogen through pipelines to Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
The commitment to sustainable maritime fuels and the development of clean hydrogen aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. These include SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (Climate action). By 2050, clean hydrogen is projected to play a vital role in land and maritime transport, accounting for a significant portion of global fuel usage and storing renewable energy in a fully renewable electricity system.
