Fuel type: The only fuel considered for deep-sea vessels which don’t contain a carbon molecule.
Properties: Liquefies at -33°c. At ambient pressure. Energy density c.30% of conventional marine fuel.
Uptake by industry: At this time, ammonia remains at a conceptual stage. First, “ammonia-ready” engines will likely be available around 2024.
Low carbon credentials: Ammonia can be produced via two different carbon-neutral avenues: from natural gas with carbon capture and sequestration through electrolysis from renewable electricity. Both types have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by close to 100.
Negatives: Ammonia fuelled engines may require significant pilot fuel. Ammonia has the potential for emissions of N2O. The resolution of this problem is crucial for the environmental credibility of ammonia.
CO2 saving: Both types can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 100.
Safety considerations: Ammonia is highly toxic and highly corrosive. Exposure to even small quantities of ammonia can result in life-changing injuries or even death
Availability: Green and Blue ammonia are virtually non-existent products today. However, both fuels’ supplies will likely develop in the coming years in USGC, NW Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania within the next decade.
Price: Green ammonia is likely to price at a significant premium to conventional fuels for some time (c.1.5-2x).
