On the potential of ammonia as fuel for shipping :a synthesis of knowledge

Introduction of alternative fuels is required for a large reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping. The overall aim of this study is to assess the potential of ammonia as marine fuel. More specifically we contribute with a synthesis of knowledge on ammonia as an alternative marine fuel including possible production pathways, cost estimates, technical feasibility, safety and environmental aspects. Ammonia is a carbon free compound that can be produced by renewable energy sources and as a fuel be used in fuel cells or internal combustion engines. In comparison with other potential renewable marine fuels the future price for ammonia is expected to be in the same range. However, this requires a substantial expansion of reliable production of renewable ammonia. The larger space requirement onboard a ship for ammonia compared to several other fuels except hydrogen may limit the use of ammonia in long distance shipping. It is central that a working fuel infrastructure and bunkering systems are implemented for ammonia to be used as marine fuel, however there does not seem to be any main issues like in the case of hydrogen. In the limited number of tests of engines using ammonia there is a high fraction of pilot fuel used, there are also issues with emissions and the demonstrated efficiency is low. However, there is no reason to believe that the emissions cannot be dealt with and that the engines will not be improved. Still, before ammonia can be used on ships demonstrations of emissions and efficiencies are called for. Safety is a major concern when considering ammonia as a fuel. Besides impact on water and air quality upon major release of ammonia, a leak inside the ship could also be disastrous for the crew. It is thus necessary to develop firm rules for design of ammonia systems and for the handling of such systems and further assessments of the effects in case of an accident is needed.

• Record URL:
  http://fudinfo.trafikverket.se/fudinfoexternwebb/Publikationer/Publikationer_004101_004200/Publikation_004185/FS2_2019_The%20potential%20of%20ammonia%20as%20fuel%20for%20shipping.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Lighthouse Swedish Maritime Competence Centre, Sweden

  Göteborg,   Sweden 
• Authors:
  • Hansson, Julia
  • Fridell, Erik
  • Brynolf, Selma
• Publication Date: 2020

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 35p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternate fuels; Fuel cells; Ships; Water transportation
• ITRD Terms: 3862: Fuel cell; 1198: Maritime transport; 2417: Renewable energy; 1248: Ship
• Subject Areas: Energy; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01739131
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
• Files: ITRD, VTI
• Created Date: May 14 2020 9:43AM