South Africa-Europe shipping route could run on green ammonia by 2029: Study

A NEW feasibility study has found that the South Africa—Europe iron ore shipping corridor could begin operating ammonia-fueled bulk carriers as early as 2029, positioning Saldanha Bay as a future global hub for green maritime fuels.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

SALDANHA Bay, home to South Africa's primary iron-ore export terminal, already has plans under way to develop green ammonia production and expand port infrastructure to handle bunkering operations.

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The analysis, released by the Global Maritime Forum (GMF) and conducted with a consortium of partners including Anglo American, CMB.TECH, Freeport Saldanha, VUKA Marine and ENGIE, concludes that the route linking Saldanha Bay to the Port of Rotterdam could reach full decarbon-isation by 2035.

If realised, it would be one of the world’s first major green shipping corridors connecting the Global South to the Global North.

Saldanha Bay, home to South Afri-cas primary iron-ore export terminal, already has plans under way to develop green ammonia production and expand port infrastructure to handle bunkering operations.

In the corridor’s early stages, ammonia-fueled vessels would likely refuel in Rotterdam, which has advanced safety and handling frameworks for ammonia. Saldanha Bay would progressively develop the capability to become the long-term bunkering and fuel-produc-tion hub.