Ammonia is a prime ‘future fuel’ candidate as the shipping industry strives to reduce its environmental impact, representing a potential low-carbon option with promising characteristics. Its high energy density and low viscosity make it especially suitable for long-range shipping operations.

Unlike conventional diesel-based marine fuels, ammonia is virtually free of sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. This makes it a viable low emission means for achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. However, to achieve optimal sustainability, it should be produced from renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, rather than from natural gas or coal energy sources, to make so-called ‘green’ ammonia. When produced in this way using renewable energy, ammonia can deliver lifecycle GHG emission reductions of up to 90 percent compared to traditional fossil fuels.