Ammonia offers interesting potential as a zero-carbon marine fuel. Several companies are developing technologies to support ammonia’s application by taking advantage of its energy density and mitigating its toxicity risks.

Jan Chow, Senior Manager of Applications and Services Engineering for Amogy, and Michael Kei, Vice President of Technology for ABS, joined host Brad Cox on this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss Amogy’s ammonia cracking technology, the company’s ammonia-powered tugboat, and ammonia safety.

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Key Points

• Ammonia cracking technology breaks down ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen.
• Ammonia has a higher energy density than hydrogen.
• The existing infrastructure for ammonia can support its use as a fuel.
• Safety concerns regarding ammonia are manageable with proper technology and training.
• Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support ammonia as a marine fuel.
• Ammonia as a marine fuel could see it comprising more than 40% of the fuel mix by 2050.

Guests
Jan Chow is the Senior Manager of Applications and Services Engineering at Amogy. Based in Houston, Jan is responsible for aligning Amogy product development with client needs and industry trends. He was involved in the NH3 Kraken vessel design to demonstrate the application of Amogy’s technology in the maritime industry. Prior to joining Amogy in 2023, Jan worked as a classification design review engineer, surveyor, and digital capabilities and innovation manager at ABS for over 10 years.

Michael Kei is Vice President of Technology for ABS. In his role, Michael is responsible for leading and approving technical development and maintenance of products & services to meet organizational and business needs. He has 20 years of experience in the marine and offshore industry where he has driven innovation and led high-performing teams. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in offshore engineering and has a proven track record of implementing cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency.