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In previous editions of “Navigating the future” , we examined methanol and LNG

How is Ammonia Produced?

Ammonia (NH3) has been widely used across various industries for decades, similar to methanol. Its traditional production method, however, raises significant sustainability concerns. Ammonia is typically produced through steam reforming, a process in which natural gas is used to extract hydrogen. This hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen from the atmosphere. While ammonia can be stored in refrigerated, low-pressure tanks, the production process is highly energy-intensive and emits substantial amounts of CO2. The reliance on fossil fuels and the associated carbon emissions make this method problematic from an environmental perspective.

To address these concerns, the focus has shifted toward producing green ammonia, which is manufactured using renewable energy. In this process, water undergoes electrolysis—powered by wind, solar, or other renewable sources—to produce hydrogen. This hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen from the air to create ammonia without any carbon emissions. Green ammonia is seen as a more sustainable alternative, but its production is currently limited by high costs and the availability of renewable energy. We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages later in this article.

Industry adoption?

Ammonia is being explored as a maritime fuel because of its potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the shipping industry. When produced as green or blue ammonia, it offers a pathway to decarbonization. However, it is important to recognize that ammonia is not a catch-all solution; its adoption in shipping is contingent on overcoming several key challenges.

The most pressing issue is ammonia’s toxicity. Ammonia is highly toxic and poses significant risks to human health and the environment if not handled properly. Safe storage, transportation, and use are critical to mitigating these risks. Additionally, while green ammonia presents a cleaner alternative, it remains expensive to produce at scale. The economic feasibility of green ammonia is closely tied to advancements in renewable energy and the reduction of production costs. Furthermore, ammonia’s energy conversion efficiency in current fuel cell technologies is lower than that of some other alternative fuels, which could limit its appeal without further technological improvements.

Advantages of Ammonia

Despite these challenges, ammonia offers several compelling advantages that make it an attractive option for maritime fuel:

Higher Energy Density

Ammonia has a higher energy density compared to hydrogen, making it more efficient for long voyages where energy storage is a critical concern. This characteristic could help reduce the frequency of refuelling stops, improving operational efficiency.

No Carbon Emissions

When used in fuel cells or combustion engines, ammonia produces no carbon dioxide (CO2), only nitrogen and water. This significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making ammonia a potential contributor to global decarbonization efforts.

Established Supply Chain

The global infrastructure for ammonia production and distribution is already well-established, particularly in the agricultural sector. This existing network could facilitate the quicker adoption of ammonia as a maritime fuel, minimising the need for extensive new investments in infrastructure.

Relative Ease of Handling

Ammonia can be stored at relatively modest temperatures (-33°C) in low-pressure tanks, which is easier than the extreme conditions required for storing hydrogen or liquefied natural gas (LNG). This makes ammonia more practical to handle and store, especially in maritime environments.

Challenges to Implementation

While ammonia has several advantages, there are significant challenges that must be addressed for it to become a viable maritime fuel:

Toxicity and Safety

Ammonia’s toxicity poses a major risk to both human health and marine ecosystems. Leaks or spills could have severe consequences, making safe handling and transportation a top priority.

Production Costs

The production of green ammonia is currently more expensive than traditional fossil fuels. Scaling up green ammonia production to meet global demand will require significant investments and improvements in renewable energy technologies.

Energy Efficiency

Ammonia’s energy conversion efficiency in fuel cells is lower than that of other alternatives, such as hydrogen. This could limit its effectiveness as a maritime fuel unless further technological advancements are made.

A Balanced Path Forward

Ammonia presents both opportunities and challenges for the future of maritime fuel. Its high energy density, zero carbon emissions when produced sustainably, and compatibility with existing infrastructure make it a promising candidate for reducing the carbon footprint of shipping. However, its potential can only be realized if the challenges of toxicity, production costs, and energy efficiency are effectively addressed. As technology advances and the costs of green ammonia production decrease, the adoption of ammonia as a maritime fuel may accelerate, contributing to global decarbonization goals.

Ammonia has the potential to play a significant role in transforming the maritime fuel sector, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its success will depend on overcoming key challenges and ensuring that it is produced in a way that is truly sustainable. With ongoing industry support and technological advancements, ammonia could become a crucial component in the quest for cleaner and more sustainable shipping solutions. As we continue to explore alternative fuels, our next and final article will focus on hydrogen, the building block of sustainable fuels like e-methanol and e-ammonia, and its potential as a direct fuel source.

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