The era of renewable energy has opened the way to new solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of industries, particularly maritime transport. Among these solutions, the use of zero carbon ammonia emerges as a promising alternative. However, its adoption is not without challenges. While ammonia offers the advantage of a low emissions footprint, questions of costs and of security constitute major obstacles to its integration into the maritime sector. Indeed, the development of suitable infrastructure and the storage of this compound require substantial investments, without forgetting the concerns relating to the potential toxicity of its use as a marine fuel.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims for a significant reduction in ship emissions by 2030, and ammonia could play a crucial role in this trajectory. However, technical and regulatory challenges require in-depth reflection on its deployment. Beyond the economic and security aspects, it is also a question of anticipating the environmental impacts that this transition could generate, both in terms of air quality and marine ecosystems.
Maritime transport plays a vital role in global trade, accounting for around 90% of international trade by volume. However, it is also the cause of 2 to 3% of global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). Faced with this reality, the maritime industry is exploring several avenues to reduce its carbon footprint. Among these, the use ofammonia as an alternative fuel is attracting attention as a carbon-free solution. However, this challenge faces major obstacles, particularly in terms of costs and of security.
The potential benefits of ammonia as a maritime fuel
Ammonia has several advantages which explain its growing interest. First, it can be produced in a renewable way, in particular via energy sources renewable such as wind or solar, through processes such as water electrolysis and nitrogen fixation. This green production could make it possible to reduce CO2 emissions of the maritime sector, with studies suggesting a potential reduction of 90% by 2050.
Second, ammonia offers high energy density, facilitating storage and transportation compared to other fuels such as hydrogen. Indeed, projects such as that of Amogy demonstrate the promising capabilities of ammonia to power ships. The maiden voyage of the NH 3 Kraken proved that ammonia could serve as a viable alternative fuel, offering a glimpse into the future of the maritime industry.
Economic and technical challenges of ammonia as a fuel
However, integrating ammonia into shipping is not without its challenges. First, the cost of producing green ammonia includes several steps that can increase the price of this fuel. The need to install specific infrastructure for its production and storage generates significant initial costs. A Deloitte study reveals that infrastructure investments often represent a major barrier to the adoption of new fuels in the maritime sector.
In addition, the limited availability of ammonia at competitive prices constitutes a barrier to its adoption. Fluctuations in the renewable energy and carbon capture technology markets could influence the profitability of the sector. From a decarbonization perspective, strategies must be put in place to converge costs and make ammonia accessible to the entire maritime industry. It becomes crucial to explore public-private partnerships to share financial risks and encourage research and development.
Security Considerations and Potential Solutions
Risk assessment of the use of ammonia as a fuel is of paramount importance. Although the latter burns without carbon, it has potentially dangerous properties. Ammonia is toxic in high concentrations and can cause health problems if safety precautions are not followed. The maritime and port sectors must therefore take into account these risks and implement rigorous security protocols.
To address these concerns, innovative solutions include advanced detection systems to monitor ammonia levels on board ships. Specific training for crews should also be outlined to ensure they are well prepared to handle emergency situations. Collaboration with regulatory agencies, such asIMO, to establish clear and rigorous safety standards is also essential. By informing maritime personnel about the properties and safe handling of ammonia, it will be possible to reduce apprehensions regarding the adoption of this new fuel.
Finally, with the imminent arrival of pilot projects and research initiatives, the maritime industry must seize these opportunities to establish a solid framework around the use of ammonia. By integrating safety standards, monitoring technologies and training systems, shipping could support a successful transition to zero-carbon fuels.
FAQ on Zero Carbon Ammonia in Maritime Transport
What is the main use of ammonia in maritime transport? Zero-carbon ammonia is being considered as an alternative fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector.
What are the challenges associated with using ammonia as a maritime fuel? The main challenges relate to production costs and safety concerns when using ammonia as an energy source.
How does ammonia compare to other marine fuels? Although ammonia offers benefits in terms of reduced emissions, it faces major cost and safety hurdles compared to other options.
What is the objective of maritime transport to achieve climate neutrality? The goal is to achieve almost net zero emissions by 2050, with emissions reduced primarily through the adoption of alternative fuels like ammonia.
When could ammonia be meaningfully integrated into the maritime sector? Its integration into the maritime industry is expected to be technically feasible around 2025-2026, although many challenges remain before then.
Has the IMO set targets for the decarbonization of maritime transport? Yes, the IMO is targeting a reduction of at least 40% in carbon intensity by 2030 for all international maritime transport.
What are the potential consequences of the use of ammonia on the environment? The use of ammonia as a fuel could potentially degrade air quality and have harmful consequences on the maritime ecosystem.
What innovations are underway regarding the ammonia engine? Companies like Wärtsilä are developing ammonia-powered engines, which is a significant step towards decarbonizing the maritime sector.
