After three years of technical work and preparations, Chane is entering the next phase of decision making regarding the development of a new storage facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands, focused on the import and transportation of clean ammonia. ‘We’re calling it ‘open season’,’ says Tamme Mekkes, business development director at Chane. ‘Because now is the time for interested parties to join us in realising this development, and to take advantage of the opportunity to grow with us in this emerging market.’
Demand for greener energy in Europe is growing, and clean ammonia will be one of the products to play an impactful role in that energy transition. It can serve both as a low-carbon fuel and feedstock, and as a carrier for hydrogen. Irgen Iversen, business development manager at Chane, says: ‘We’re seeing a lot of interest in the ammonia import market. As a logistics partner, we can help bring those plans to life by signing reservation agreements with our prospective clients. Now is the time, as Tamme says, because at this stage, we still have some space available.’
The new terminal, currently under consideration, would be an expansion of Chane’s current Rotterdam Nieuwe Maas terminal. The plans boast several hundred thousand cubic metres of space dedicated to ammonia storage as well as multimodal transportation facilities. Strategically located in the port of Rotterdam, the terminal would include access for large seafaring vessels to import the product, as well as river barges, coasters, trains, and pipeline connections for distribution into Europe. Iversen adds: ‘We are also exploring options for ammonia services such as onsite cracking facilities and an additional ammonia distribution terminal in Duisburg, Germany.’
‘As always, we want to provide the best service to our clients,’ Mekkes continues. ‘Ammonia import has been a hot topic for a few years now, with many parties showing interest and envisioning future possibilities. Now, the market is maturing and those visions are gradually becoming within reach. Companies are deciding whether or not they truly want and can be part of this market. That means that the people who do want to play in this growing market are acting now.’
The new terminal is planned to begin operations in late 2029 or early 2030, pending an investment decision scheduled for 2026.
