Cars can run on electricity; the first hydrogen flight will leave in 2028, but what about ships? This is the one vehicle we had not yet been able to decarbonize, although we have now succeeded. The only problem is that the fuel they will need could kill us if it is released, and it is unclear whether we will use it on a large scale.
This is the only vehicle that we could not make renewable, but now everything has changed
The shipping industry is under extreme pressure repentantly now to downsize its environmental impact and carbon footprints, as it emits high levels of greenhouse gases. Some 90% of trade is carried out by ships, and the share of in emission due to marine traffic is estimated to amount to 3% of global greenhouse gas discharge.
Such driving factor has caused the increase of the activities that develop and use the alternative renewable fuels as the refuel source and as the green replacements for the conventional bunker fuels, which are derived from crude oil.
There is also the possibility of ammonia. Ammonia could work to reduce carbon emissions and can be produced via renewable energy like wind, hydro, solar and air. The leading industry members in the industry are in a hurry to introduce and construct an ammonia-fuelled bulgy cargo vessel by the end of the year.
Regardless, ammonia like many other chemicals can as well be dangerous. This compound is highly poisonous by the very nature of it. Therefore, any leaks or accidental doses cause an alarm to the overall health of the human being and marine ecosystems.
Ammonia ships, a proposal to decarbonize our seas
Ammonia is increasingly becoming a baseline in this domain as a zero-carbon fuel for ships. Ships propelled by ammonia are using several technology pathways and some demonstration projects are now in operation, such as cargo ships.
Ammonia to be used as the fuel to be standardized in the shipping industry by the Norwegian chemical company Yara from 2024 is the so-called green ammonia. This will be the first-ever zero-carbon penetration of global merchant shipping with hydrogen powered engines and using ammonia as a fuel for propulsion.
The sailboat will feature the new onboard system that relies on an ammonia fuel cell system currently under development. NYK Line, IHI Power Systems, and ClassNK in Japan will cooperate in an effort to develop an ammonium-fuel tugboat that will be realized by 2022.
The ship will be powered using fuel cells charged with ammonia; this will be the means of electrical generation. Ships, powered by ammonia, to date unchallenged in the first stages, play an important role in the reduction of greenhouse emissions in the global maritime industry.
The only problem with ammonia as a fuel: it could kill us if released in large quantities
Ammonia is classified as hazardous and toxic chemical. While it has promising potential as a carbon-free fuel, there are significant safety risks that must be addressed. When released into air, ammonia vapor is lighter than air and will rise.
Moreover, it is an irritant and corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. This can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema, which could result in death.
Accidental releases and spills are a major concern with ammonia as a ship fuel. Ammonia is kept under pressure in storage tanks, so any tank damage or rupture could release large amounts of ammonia quickly.
As you can see, ammonia ships could become a reality very soon, although there are already some that have sailed our seas. A safe refueling method and a protocol to avoid accidental emissions will be key for this means to become popular. If not, we will continue to look for an alternative (and electric motors cannot be that big).