Ammonia is one of several alternative fuels being evaluated by the maritime industry to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. While ammonia has the potential to be a zero-carbon fuel or a carrier for hydrogen fuel, the chemical is extremely toxic and has stringent handling requirements.

On this episode of Setting Course, Rene Laursen, ABS Director of Global Sustainability, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss ammonia’s potential, its challenges and its path to broad adoption as a maritime fuel.

Key Points

• Ammonia is being considered as an alternative fuel for shipping to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• It can be produced from renewable sources and does not emit carbon or CO2 when combusted.
• Scaling up renewable electricity and, thus, green ammonia production is a challenge to meet the industry's fuel needs.
• The cost of producing green ammonia is expected to be two to three times more expensive than traditional ammonia.
• Ammonia can be used as a fuel in both four-stroke and two-stroke engines, but the combustion technology and pilot fuel requirements differ.
• Storing ammonia on board ships is already taking place, and there are different tank systems available.
• Safety measures and training are necessary due to the toxicity of ammonia.
• The shipping industry is expected to see an increase in the use of ammonia as an alternative fuel in the coming years.

Guest
Rene Laursen serves as Director of Sustainability for ABS, leading the ABS Copenhagen Sustainability Center. In his current role, he supports shipowners in selecting the best technologies and fuel mixes for their fleet.