A Lloyd’s Register report, named Fuel for thought: Ammonia, has highlighted the need for an industry-wide understanding of the operational and safety challenges surrounding the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, for its adoption as part of the maritime energy transition.
Challenges and opportunities
The report found that although the technology for ammonia as a marine fuel is developing rapidly, gaps in the regulatory framework around its use need to be addressed, alongside resolving the challenges in the production and supply of zero- or near-zero-emissions ammonia.
The report identified that by taking steps to develop a framework today, the industry can avoid delays and build on the strong technology case for ammonia adoption. For safe handling and infrastructure, the maritime industry can draw on the extensive experience of transporting ammonia as cargo throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. There are, however, still concerns about ammonia’s toxicity, crew awareness and training and its overall impact on aquatic, human and environmental health.
The study also found that among the factors to consider for ammonia adoption, social acceptance and scalability are key. The pricing of renewable electricity, green hydrogen and carbon capture will all affect ammonia’s affordability as a marine fuel. Clean ammonia producers, who are looking to upgrade production to create blue and green ammonia, see potential in increased demand from agriculture and other sectors, as well as shipping, all putting pressure on supply.
Regulatory framework for ammonia adoption
Liam Blackmore, principal specialist in decarbonization at Lloyd’s Register, said, “Fuel for thought: Ammonia, underlines the importance of addressing regulatory gaps, technology application and production hurdles in order to ensure the seamless integration of ammonia into the marine fuel landscape as part of the maritime energy transition.”
“By proactively developing a robust framework today, it is possible to accelerate the adoption of this, while mitigating potential risks and hazards. LR is committed to supporting first movers in ammonia and other alternative fuels, drawing upon our extensive experience and expertise in maritime safety and regulation to help deliver innovative solutions that prioritize safety and reliability.”
In related news, shipping company Höegh Autoliners was recently awarded approximately US$14m from Enova to enable the use of ammonia to fuel two of its pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). Click here to read the full story.