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Advancements and Challenges of Ammonia as a Sustainable Fuel for the Maritime Industry

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  • Antonio Chavando

    (Department of Environment and Planning, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 7300-555 Aveiro, Portugal
    Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal
    Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Valter Silva

    (Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal
    Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • João Cardoso

    (Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal
    Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Daniela Eusebio

    (Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal)

Abstract

The maritime industry needs sustainable, low-emission fuels to reduce the environmental impact. Ammonia is one of the most promising alternative fuels because it can be produced from renewable energy, such as wind and solar. Furthermore, ammonia combustion does not emit carbon. This review article covers the advantages and disadvantages of using ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. We start by discussing the regulations and environmental concerns of the shipping sector, which is responsible for around 2% to 3% of global energy-related CO 2 emissions. These emissions may increase as the maritime industry grows at a compound annual growth rate of 4.33%. Next, we analyze the use of ammonia as a fuel in detail, which presents several challenges. These challenges include the high price of ammonia compared to other fossil fuels, the low reactivity and high toxicity of ammonia, NOx, and N 2 O emissions resulting from incomplete combustion, an inefficient process, and NH 3 slipping. However, we emphasize how to overcome these challenges. We discuss techniques to reduce NOx and N 2 O emissions, co-combustion to improve reactivity, waste heat recovery strategies, the regulatory framework, and safety conditions. Finally, we address the market trends and challenges of using ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Chavando & Valter Silva & João Cardoso & Daniela Eusebio, 2024. "Advancements and Challenges of Ammonia as a Sustainable Fuel for the Maritime Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-35, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:13:p:3183-:d:1424583
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuanpu Zhang & Qian Wang & Liming Dai & Ming Zhang & Chunkan Yu, 2023. "Numerical Study on the Combustion Properties of Ammonia/DME and Ammonia/DMM Mixtures," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-18, October.
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    3. Khristamto Aditya Wardana, Muhammad & Lim, Ocktaeck, 2022. "Investigation of ammonia homogenization and NOx reduction quantity by remodeling urea injector shapes in heavy-duty diesel engines," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    4. Li, Ji & Zhou, Quan & He, Xu & Chen, Wan & Xu, Hongming, 2023. "Data-driven enabling technologies in soft sensors of modern internal combustion engines: Perspectives," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
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    Keywords

    ammonia; fuel; maritime; combustion;
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