MAN’s ammonia test engine arrives at its Copenhagen research centre (source: MAN)
Experts underscore ammonia’s potential as a maritime fuel but acknowledge supply, NOx emissions and safety remain key challenges
Ammonia, widely touted as a potential game-changer in maritime fuel, was the focus of discussions among industry experts at Riviera Maritime Media’s 7 May 2024 webinar, Pathway to 2030 and beyond: Ammonia showcased a collective optimism toward ammonia’s future in the maritime industry.
The discussions covered ammonia’s supply and availability, the technical hurdles in minimising NOx emissions, and the safety challenges associated with its adoption.
Skarv Shipping chief executive and chief technical officer of Grieg Edge, Jan Øivind Svardal, stressed the industry’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
He acknowledged ammonia as a “clear candidate” among green shipping fuels, though he stressed that logistical concerns regarding supply and availability remain.
“We have a big, big concern that if we buy the technology, buy the ship, buy the equipment we need… will we be able to buy and find the fuel in the correct ports?” Mr Svardal remarked.
He called for better infrastructure to ensure the accessibility of green ammonia.
MAN Energy Solutions promotion manager Ernst Grauert Wilche highlighted the growing interest in ammonia among fuel producers.
He noted MAN has already spent significant R&D hours developing ammonia engines. “We believe ammonia will be the number one fuel needed in the market with about 35% of all fuels,” he said, adding the company plans to deliver its first ammonia-burning engines by the end of 2024.
Ammonia’s environmental potential largely depends on addressing emissions and Mr Wilche explained that managing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions is pivotal, as this poses significant greenhouse gas challenges.
He noted initial engine tests show promise, “The levels of NOx… are extremely low on the one-cylinder tests we are doing.”
MAN ES plans to address emissions using a selective catalytic reduction reactor, which will control both NOx and potential ammonia slip.
Safety remains a major concern and ammonia’s toxicity demands rigorous handling procedures and equipment.
Exmar executive director shipping, Jens Ismar, stressed that only companies experienced in managing ammonia should handle it, to ensure safety for both crew and the environment. “We have done a proper job… working with our partners on this, and we are confident this will work in a safe way, which is paramount,” he stated.
The technical, logistical, and regulatory hurdles ahead are clear, but the shared enthusiasm for green shipping suggests that ammonia could significantly impact the sector in the years to come.
Webinar poll results
To what extent do you think Europe will be willing to pay a premium for decarbonised ammonia compared to conventional ammonia?
No premium – price parity with conventional ammonia: 18%
1-10% premium over conventional ammonia: 23%
10-20% premium over conventional ammonia: 27%
20-30% premium over conventional ammonia: 20%
More than 30% premium over conventional ammonia: 12%
Which classification system for decarboniaed ammonia do you believe will be more widely adopted globally?
The US classification system: 1%
The European classification system: 22%
A harmonised global classification system: 51%
Regional classification systems will coexist: 18%
No standardised classification system will emerge: 8%
What do you consider the most important factor in the successful adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel?
Availability and cost of ammonia fuel: 35%
Reliable and efficient ammonia engine technology: 14%
Regulatory support and incentives: 15%
Infrastructure for ammonia storage and bunkering: 22%
Environmental performance and emissions reduction potential: 14%
Source: Riviera Maritime Media
