Ammonia

• The only fuel considered for deep-sea vessels which doesn’t contain a carbon molecule.
• Liquefies at -33°c. at ambient pressure.
• Energy density c.30% of conventional marine fuel.

No;

• At this time ammonia remains at a conceptual stage.
• First “ammonia ready” engines are likely to be available around 2024.

Yes;

• Ammonia can be produced via two different carbon neutral avenues:
• From natural gas with carbon capture and sequestration.
• Through electrolysis from renewable electricity.
• Both types have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by close to 100.

But;

• Ammonia fuelled engines may require a significant amount of pilot fuel.
• Ammonia has the potential for emissions of N2O. The resolution of this.
• problem is crucial for the environmental credibility of ammonia.

• Ammonia is highly toxic and highly corrosive.
• Exposure to even small quantities of ammonia can result in life changing injuries or even death.
• IMO IGF Guidelines currently prohibit the use of ammonia as fuel. Updated and complete guidelines for the use of ammonia as fuel are still some years away.

• Ammonia is stored in double walled tanks, either refrigerated to –33c. Or under pressure.
• Ammonia tanks need to be 3-3.5x size of conventional fuel tanks to provide the same range.

• Ammonia needs to be burnt in a specially designed engine.
• Ammonia will require pilot fuel to achieve ignition.
• Ensuring the total abatement of rogue emissions may require the vessel to have a special exhaust system installed.

• Green and Blue ammonia are virtually non-existant products today.
• However, supplies of both fuels are likely to develop in the coming years in USGC, NW Europe, Middle East, and Oceania within the next decade.