Vessel with ammonia engine will transport gas substance
Japanese companies Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Namura Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have teamed up to build an ammonia-powered ship. The large-sized ship will be designed to transport the gas substance and operate on it at the same time.
At present the scope of ammonia is not very wide. The substance is used primarily for production of fertilizers, and its sea transportation is rather limited. However, experts note the great potential of ammonia, which is an excellent and, most importantly, environmentally friendly source of energy. The demand for the substance as a raw material for coal-fired thermal power plants is predicted to increase in the next few years. Ammonia takes part in the mixed combustion process here, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, it is used as a source of hydrogen. Many experts talk about ammonia as an important tool for achieving carbon neutrality.
According to market analysis, the substance can serve as an excellent alternative fuel for ships. Japanese scientists predict that by 2030, the annual demand in the country for using ammonia for maritime transport will increase to 3 million tons, and by 2050 – up to 30 million tons. Therefore, local companies evaluated the potential of the substance and decided to act now to meet the demand for the raw material, which will grow significantly in the coming years.
Major corporations in the shipbuilding sector have joined forces to create maritime transport for transporting large volumes of ammonia. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines have begun switching to ammonia as a fuel resource for ships to speed up the decarbonization process. While the new ship’s engine is still under development, the companies are actively working on it.
Rising raw material prices and the implementation of a climate strategy are pushing carriers to look for alternatives for maritime traffic. Like its Japanese counterparts, Australia’s Fortescue is also planning a switch to ammonia. To do so, it will retrofit its 75-meter vessel. According to statements, it will be launched this year.
Finland’s Wartsila is famous for making the largest combustion engines in the world. Last year, it joined forces with a manufacturer from Norway to modernize the vessel. The plan is to modify the internal combustion engine vehicle so that it will use 70 percent ammonia. The project should be completed in 2023.
Avin International from Greece already operates an ammonia-powered tanker. The 274-meter-long vessel can be used as a fossil fuel and as an environmentally friendly substance.
