Industry players set up “Joint Study” framework for studying common issues on ammonia as an alternative marine fuel, to get ready to IMO’s decarbonization targets, including energy, mining, power utility, chemical, terminal, shipping, shipbuilding, manufacture, bunkering, and classification society, reads a ClassNK press release.
Ammonia as an alternative fuel
Parties of total 23 companies including ClassNK have entered into a memorandum of understanding on joint study of common issues on ammonia as an alternative marine fuel beyond industry boundaries.
In line with the agreed procedure, following issues are going to be discussed in this Joint Study framework.
- Safety assessment of NH3 fuel ship under guideline,
- Safety assessment of NH3 bunkering,
- NH3 fuel specification, and
- NET CO2 emission at NH3 production.
Moreover, this framework may ask some of NH3 producers, relevant international organizations, port authorities/regulators in potential bunkering countries to share their opinion, view, expertise and experience.
Zero emissions fuel
With international momentum towards the transition to a decarbonized society since the Paris Agreement came into effect in 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a strategy for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the maritime industry in 2018.
This strategy sets targets to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work – as an average across international shipping – by at least 40% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels), to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050, and to phase them out entirely (zero-emissions) during this century.
In order to achieve these goals, the early adoption of ammonia as a suitable zero emission, alternative marine fuel is one of the key elements.
Initiatives to reduce GHGs
The purpose of this Joint Study is not limited to verify and sort out the key element closely linked to the integrated project with the development of ammonia fueled ship and the development of worldwide supply chain of ammonia by ITOCHU and other partners.
ClassNK intends to promote initiatives to reduce GHGs with the cooperation of domestic and overseas clients, as well as the relevant government agencies.
Founding signatories
The 23 founding signatories of this Joint Study framework include ABS, ANGLO AMERICAN, CLASSNK, DNV, EQUINOR, FORTESCUE METALS GROUP, GENCO SHIPPING & TRADING, JERA, K-LINE, MAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS, MITSUI E&S MACHINERY, NIHON SHIPYARD, NS UNITED, PAVILION ENERGY, TOTAL ENERGIES , TRAFIGURA, UBE INDUSTRIES, UNIPER SE, UYENO TRANSTECH, VALE, VOPAK TERMINAL SINGAPORE, ITOCHU ENEX and ITOCHU.
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Source: ClassNK
