Posted on 18 Mar 2024
Australia’s Fortescue says it has completed the world’s first trial of ammonia as a marine fuel in a dual-fuel vessel, a major step in decarbonising the maritime sector.
In collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Fortescue Green Pioneer vessel was loaded with liquid ammonia in combination with diesel in the combustion process, Kallanish reports.
The dual-fuel trial was carried out over seven weeks and included testing the vessels’ ammonia storage systems, associated piping, gas fuel delivery system, retrofitted engines and seaworthiness. Three tonnes of liquid ammonia were used for the trial, supplied by an existing ammonia facility at the Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island.
The successful test resulted in the vessel receiving flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships and the “Gas Fueled Ammonia” notation by classification society DNV to use ammonia as a marine fuel, in combination with diesel.
The maritime sector covers the transportation of 90% of global goods, but its reliance on fossil fuels means it generates 3% of global CO2 emissions, according to the US Department of Energy. To decarbonise the shipping industry, regulator IMO has set targets to reduce carbon intensity by 40% in 2030 and 70% in 2050.
Source:Kallanish
