In the quest for greener and more sustainable maritime solutions, the maritime industry is exploring innovative fuels and technologies. One such contender on the horizon is ammonia, with the potential to offer a near-zero carbon emissions solution for vessels. The emsa source.
- Ammonia is a promising zero-carbon marine fuel, but its toxicity and complexity pose challenges for widespread adoption.
- Land-based ammonia expertise and existing regulatory guidelines provide a foundation for marine ammonia usage.
- Deep-sea cargo ships may find ammonia more suitable, and addressing technology gaps and incentives are essential for its successful adoption.
Ammonia’s Potential as a Zero-Carbon Fuel
Ammonia (NH3) is emerging as a promising long-term marine fuel solution due to its potential for zero or near-zero carbon emissions, making it a contender to address the industry’s decarbonization goals.
Leveraging Land-Based Ammonia Expertise
While marine experience with ammonia as a fuel is limited, the extensive land-based usage of ammonia in petrochemical and fertilizer industries provides a strong foundation for its adoption in the maritime sector. Lessons from the International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) guide its safe application on ships.
Navigating Ammonia’s Challenges
Ammonia’s toxicity and associated risks present significant challenges, requiring ship designs to incorporate additional complexity compared to conventional fuels. This complexity may limit its suitability to deep-sea cargo ships rather than short-sea, passenger, or inland waterway vessels.
Ammonia’s Path Forward
Exploring production capacity, regulatory considerations, storage options, supply and power generation technologies, this study identifies both the obstacles and advantages of adopting ammonia as a marine fuel. It also highlights the need for addressing technology and regulatory gaps while offering incentives to encourage its widespread adoption in the industry.
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Source-emsa
