Three Secrets Behind Ammonia’s Use as a Marine Fuel

By
Mfame Editor
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1604

 

  • ABS issued a ammonia as a marine fuel analyzing the top three factors one should consider when utilizing ammonia as a marine fuel.
  • It is done keeping in mind that ammonia has been in the spotlight lately as an alternative fuel for the shipping industry.
  • The fuel must be placed in specific storages and specific refrigerated conditions.

A recent news article published in the Safety4sea deals with the three factors to consider in case of using ammonia as a marine fuel.

ABS three factors of ammonia’s use as a marine fuel

  1. Ammonia offers ship owners and operators a zero-carbon tank-to-wake emissions profile, regardless of fuel source.
  2. Ammonia’s toxicity requires stringent handling measures and permissible exposure limits to be followed.
  3. Although there are currently no prescriptive requirements surrounding ammonia as a marine fuel, demonstrating a vessel’s capability to operate on ammonia is advantageous.

What does the guide say?

According to the guide, ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen and at atmospheric pressure and normal temperatures is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent smell.

At higher pressures ammonia becomes a liquid, making it easier to transport and store. The typical heating value for ammonia is similar to methanol.

As with most alternative fuels, it has a lower energy density than fuel oils.

So producing the same energy content would require about 2.4 times more volume as compared to petroleum-based fuels.

What are the requirements of ammonia gas?

Thus, the requirements of ammonia gas include low-temperature service, pressurized storage tanks, flammable gases.

Working with corrosive and toxic materials is key to addressing the safety hazards of using ammonia as a marine fuel.

Some of the considerations when using ammonia as fuel on a vessel are listed below:

  • Corrosion
  • Design
  • Equipment failure
  • Cascading failures
  • Safety management plan
  • Personnel training to reduce human error.

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Source: Safety4Sea