In the relentless pursuit of decarbonizing maritime transportation, ammonia is emerging as a beacon of hope, offering a pathway to a greener shipping industry. A comprehensive review published in the journal Fuel Processing Technology, translated as “Fuel Processing Technology,” has shed new light on the potential of ammonia as a fuel for marine dual-fuel engines. The study, led by Phan Anh Duong from the Department of Marine System Engineering at Korea Maritime and Ocean University, delves into over 300 studies, experiments, and research papers spanning two decades, providing a thorough evaluation of ammonia’s viability in current and future maritime applications.
Ammonia’s appeal lies in its high volumetric hydrogen density, low storage pressure, and long-term stability, making it an attractive candidate among hydrogen carriers and alternative fuels. “Ammonia’s benefits are manifold,” Duong explains, “It offers a high storage temperature compared to other alternative fuels, and its low auto-ignition temperature makes it suitable for dual-fuel engines.”
The review explores the feasibility of using ammonia in combination with diesel, hydrogen, biodiesel, LNG, LPG, or other fuels to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions. By maintaining the ammonia energy ratio below 60%, the flame temperature can be lowered, thereby reducing NOx emissions. However, the study also highlights the challenges posed by ammonia’s nitrogen content, which can lead to higher N₂O emissions and unburned ammonia, necessitating effective aftertreatment systems.
One of the key findings is the importance of optimizing diesel injection timing to mitigate N₂O and NH₃ emissions. This balance is crucial for harnessing ammonia’s potential while addressing its drawbacks. “The optimization of diesel injection timing is a critical factor in reducing emissions and improving combustion efficiency,” Duong notes.
Despite these challenges, ammonia is currently regarded as a feasible option for marine applications, particularly in power generation and potentially in cargo vessels, where space limitations are less restrictive. The study underscores the need for further advancements in safety, combustion efficiency, and technological innovations before ammonia can be considered a complete replacement for conventional marine fuels.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the maritime industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, ammonia could play a pivotal role in the transition to greener fuels. The findings of this review provide a roadmap for future developments, highlighting the areas that require further research and innovation. For energy companies and maritime operators, investing in ammonia technology could yield significant commercial benefits, positioning them at the forefront of the green shipping revolution.
As the world navigates the complexities of decarbonization, studies like Duong’s offer a glimpse into the future of maritime transportation. The journey towards a greener shipping industry is fraught with challenges, but with ammonia as a potential fuel, the horizon looks brighter. The comprehensive review published in Fuel Processing Technology serves as a crucial step in this journey, paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly maritime future.
