The U.S. Department of Transportation, which sets safety standards for global shipping, recently granted early-stage approvals for several ammonia-powered ships and fuel infrastructure, including adjective Samsung Heavy Industries, one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world. Such ships could set sail within the next few years, as some companies have promised to deliver in 2024. While the fuel would require new engines and new fuel systems, swapping it for the fossil fuels that ships burn today could lead to a significant reduction in global carbon emissions.
And some companies are looking even further into the future, with headquarters in New York Amogy raised nearly $50 million earlier this year to use the chemical in fuel cells, promising even greater emissions cuts.
Shipping account for approx 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions. If early testing for ammonia or other alternative fuels Demonstrating scalable systems, these new technologies can help the shipping industry begin to shift away from fossil fuels and slow climate change-causing emissions.
Ammonia is attractive because of its high energy density – the amount of energy that can be packed in a given volume. While it is commonly found in gaseous form, it can be pressed at relatively low pressures into an easily transportable liquid.
Ammonia is a familiar chemical to shipping companies. Globally, about 200 million tons of that is produced annually, and about three-quarters of that is used to produce fertilizers. Many ports already have some form of ammonia storage for shipping.
However, chemicals come with challenges. Burning ammonia as fuel can produce nitrous oxide (NOx). These compounds are greenhouse gases that can also be harmful to human and animal health. Madeline Roseclimate campaign director at Pacific Environment, an environmental organization.
But if the ships used ammonia for fuel cells instead, the problem of creating NOx pollution could be avoided.
