A long list of maritime players are banding together to explore ammonia as a possibility for sustainable marine fuel.
The list includes names such as DFDS, Gaslog, MOL, NYK, Star Bulk, MAN, Alfa Laval, Stolt Tankers, Exmar and Bureau Veritas, the latter informs in a statement.
Ammonia has long been pointed out as one of the possible fuel solutions for the shipping industry in the future. One advantage of ammonia is that it can be be synthesized via renewable energy as the molecule contains hydrogen.
The fuel is challenged by factors including toxicity and caustic properties, thereby tying the chemical to big risk. The group has joined forces to explore and gain knowledge on these challenges and risks.
These businesses will also try to see whether the fuel is commercially viable.
The group will perform detailed risk studies to assess the technical feasibility and specific safety risks (…)”
Bureau Veritas
“Currently, aspects of using ammonia are not explicitly covered by the existing regulatory framework – notably IMO’s International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (the IGF Code), and require specific attention,” writes the company.
“The group will perform detailed risk studies to assess the technical feasibility and specific safety risks of ammonia fueled ships with a view to considering its potential as a safe fuel for the decarbonization of shipping,” writes Bureau Veritas, which conducts lab tests, inspections and certification.
Furthermore, potential availability is not yet assured”
Bureau Veritas
Compared to traditional heavy fuel oil, ammonia is less energy dense, can be liquefied at -33 degrees Celsius and can be stored at atmospheric pressure as ship fuel.
“Furthermore, potential availability is not yet assured. Sufficient availability of “green” ammonia would require the scalable development of “Power-to-X” technologies to provide the volumes necessary for shipping,” writes the company.
English Edit: Daniel Frank Christensen & Daniel Logan Berg-Munch
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