A big percentage of today’s global production is supplied to the fertiliser industry and it is hard to predict its uptake as a marine fuel – but many forecasters expect to see substantial growth beyond 2030. The International Energy Authority (IEA) for example suggests that by 2060 ammonia could account for the largest share of low and zero carbon fuels, though questions around its availability remain.
industry, as well as the recent knowledge gained from LPG and LNG bunkering will help to establish the process.
Infineum is actively working to understand the hardware and lubrication issues associated with using ammonia in marine vessels.
The key challenges from an additive standpoint are related to the high basicity and corrosivity of ammonia that pose compatibility issues with hardware and lubricants. We have subjected our additives to ammonia in the laboratory and in engine tests to give us a firm foundation from which to develop innovative solutions for ammonia combustion engines.
Figure 5: Global energy consumption in international shipping*
Green ammonia can be produced using renewable energy or biomass to extract hydrogen from water and then combining the hydrogen with nitrogen from the air, via the Haber-Bosch process. Despite its green credentials, new and complex challenges around supply chain, bunkering and its onboard use are anticipated.
A key challenge is its toxicity to both humans and aquatic life, making the prevention of exposure to ammonia and spills high priorities. Emissions of NOx and nitrous oxide (NO2
) are higher than
from conventional fuels, which means additional aftertreatment is needed onboard.
In addition, the poor combustibility of ammonia may require the use of significant amounts of pilot fuel, which if not carbon neutral contribute to GHG emissions.
Finally, its lower energy density compared to some fuels - about half that of LNG - means vessels need to carry a substantial volume of fuel onboard to cover long distances.
Liquid ammonia will require new guidelines for successful bunkering operations. Hopefully previous experience gained from the fertiliser and chemicals
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.184 DECEMBER 2024 11
Significant investment, innovation and new infrastructure are all needed to enable near-zero emission ammonia production to meet expected demand. Despite the fact that most green ammonia technologies are not yet commercially available, confidence is growing in the use of ammonia in maritime applications. With fuel flexibility increasingly of interest, there are likely to be more ammonia ready vessels on order and an expansion in ‘green’ port infrastructure.
Infineum will be ready with the sustainable additives and innovative lubricants needed to support the introduction of new fuels and hardware systems that will be needed as the maritime industry works towards a net zero GHG emissions future.
Originally published on Infineum Insight on 1st October 2024.
www.infineuminsight.com/en-gb/articles/ targeting-net-zero/
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