The energy transition in maritime shipping is heating up, and the debate around ammonia and hydrogen is no longer just about potential—it’s about execution. That was the clear takeaway from a recent panel at the Argus Clean Ammonia North America Conference in Houston, where industry leaders, including Santiago Yanez, AET’s Head of Business Development (New Energy) & Technology, gathered to dissect the role of these alternative fuels in powering North America’s fleet.
The panel, titled “Fleet First: How Shipowners are Balancing Risk, Regulation, and ROI in a Sustainable Marine Fuels Industry,” didn’t shy away from the tough questions. With the U.S. Gulf Coast emerging as a hotspot for ammonia production, the discussion zeroed in on the delicate dance between supply and demand. The region’s infrastructure is ramping up, but will it keep pace with the needs of shipowners eyeing ammonia as a viable fuel? The answer, as the panelists agreed, hinges on collaboration, regulation, and—crucially—safety.
Santiago Yanez made it clear that AET isn’t waiting for the perfect moment to act. “If regulations provide support, the rest of the ecosystem will follow,” he said, underscoring the need for a framework that gives shipowners the confidence to invest. But regulation alone isn’t enough. Yanez emphasized that AET has been working closely with industry peers and authorities to develop and validate training programs for seafarers. “Safety will always remain our top priority,” he stated, a sentiment that resonated across the panel.
The conversation didn’t stop at ammonia. Hydrogen, too, is part of the puzzle, though its role remains less defined. The panelists acknowledged that there’s no silver bullet—no single fuel that will solve the maritime industry’s decarbonisation challenges. Instead, the path forward is likely to be a mosaic of solutions, each with its own set of hurdles.
One of the most pressing challenges? The training gap. As the market for ammonia-powered vessels begins to take shape, the demand for skilled personnel is growing faster than the supply. AET, for its part, is already laying the groundwork, ensuring its seafarers are ready for the transition. But the industry as a whole needs to move quickly. The panelists agreed that now is the time to prepare, not just for the fuels of the future, but for the workforce that will operate them.
The energy transition isn’t just about swapping out fossil fuels for greener alternatives. It’s about rethinking the entire ecosystem—from infrastructure to regulation, from training to technology. And as the panel made clear, no single entity can do it alone. Collaboration is key, and AET is stepping up to the plate. Whether it’s through joint training initiatives, knowledge-sharing, or advocating for supportive regulations, the company is committed to playing its part in shaping the future of maritime energy.
The debate around ammonia and hydrogen is far from settled, but one thing is certain: the clock is ticking. Shipowners, fuel producers, and regulators must move in lockstep to ensure that North America’s fleet is ready for the transition. The Argus conference was a reminder that the future isn’t just coming—it’s already here. And those who act now will be the ones steering the course forward.