(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Among the broad spectrum of technologies and fuel solutions ship designers, builders, owners and operators, anhydrous ammonia (NH3) has been identified as a potential long-term fuel that could enter the market relatively quickly and offer a zero, or a near-zero, carbon solution (on a tank-to-wake basis and in some cases on a well-to-wake basis) irrespective of the origin of the fuel.
While there is little recent marine experience with using ammonia as a fuel – and some of the key machinery technologies (such as engines) are under development – extensive land-based experience with the production and use of ammonia for the petrochemical and fertiliser industries forms a sound basis for increasing its use as a marine fuel. Experience with the carriage of ammonia in liquefied-gas carriers – and the specific requirements for storage, distribution, personal protective equipment (PPE), etc. in the International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) – provide some of the statutory requirements to guide its application on ammonia-fuelled ships.
However, the toxicity challenges and related risks are significant and, while manageable, they will add complexity to ship designs (compared to those for conventional and other low-flashpoint fuels and gases) and will potentially limit the ships for which it is a suitable fuel. Ammonia ultimately may prove to be a more appropriate solution for deep-sea cargo ships rather than short-sea, passenger or inland waterway craft.
The report presents conclusions and recommendations of a multi-part study, developed to support national administrations, industry, and maritime stakeholders in the sustainable transition.
The study series includes:
- An extensive analysis of ammonia’s properties and characteristics, and how these properties are applicable as a marine fuel
- The identification of critical equipment and failure modes and a quantitative evaluation of the reliability of ammonia systems
- The results of a hazard and operability study of a generic ammonia fuel supply system from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine
- Hazard identification exercises on the use of ammonia as fuel in a Newcastlemax dry bulk carrier and a mega ro-ro, including risk assessment of scenarios in which there are simultaneous operations in ports.
The final report consolidates the study’s findings and recommendations, which can be used for future regulatory developments.
You can download the full report below:
Source: EMSA
Read more on Ammonia as a fuel, HERE.
