Ammonia-Fueled Engines : To be Developed by WinGD and CMB.TECH
Here’s an article posted in Marine Insight that talks about the ammonia-fueled engines developed by WinGD and CMB.TECH.
According to the article,
- WinGD and CMB.TECH are collaborating to develop a large ammonia-fuelled engine for bulk carriers.
- The engine, ammonia dual-fuel X72DF, will be installed on ten 210,000 DWT bulk carriers to be built in 2025 and 2026.
- CMB.TECH has expertise in alternative fuels and aims to have dual-fuel ammonia-diesel engines on their vessels.
- WinGD is a market leader in dual-fuel technology and is committed to reducing emissions and improving efficiency.
The development of ammonia-fueled engines, such as the dual-fuel X72DF by WinGD and CMB.TECH, represents a significant advancement in the maritime industry, focusing on reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. Here’s a more detailed look at this innovative technology:
Overview of Ammonia as a Marine Fuel
Ammonia (NH3) is emerging as a promising alternative fuel for shipping due to its potential for zero carbon emissions when produced from renewable energy sources. It contains no carbon, which means it can combust without emitting CO2. The maritime industry views ammonia as a key component in achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2008 levels by 2050.
Specifics of the Dual-Fuel X72DF Engine
- Technology: The X72DF engine developed by WinGD is an ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engine. This technology allows the engine to operate on either ammonia or conventional marine fuels like diesel, providing flexibility depending on fuel availability and regulations.
- Capacity and Application: Designed for large vessels, particularly 210,000 DWT bulk carriers, the X72DF engine demonstrates significant power capability suited for massive cargo transport operations.
- Operational Features: The engine will be capable of switching between ammonia and diesel, which ensures operational reliability in different geographical areas and under varying regulatory environments.
Advantages of Ammonia-Fueled Engines
- Emission Reduction: The primary advantage is the significant reduction in carbon emissions, which aligns with global decarbonization goals. Ammonia combustion does not produce CO2, substantially cutting the greenhouse gas footprint of shipping operations.
- Energy Efficiency: Ammonia has a relatively high energy density compared to other alternative fuels like hydrogen, making it more suitable for long voyages without frequent refueling.
- Scalability: Ammonia fuel infrastructure can leverage existing liquid natural gas (LNG) transport and storage systems with moderate modifications, facilitating easier scalability.
Challenges and Considerations
- Safety and Handling: Ammonia is toxic and corrosive, requiring careful handling and storage. Safety protocols and systems must be robust to prevent and mitigate leaks or accidents.
- Technological Development: The technology for ammonia combustion in internal combustion engines is still under development. Issues such as ammonia slip (unburned ammonia in exhaust gases) and NOx emissions need resolution to meet environmental standards.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Ammonia as a Fuel: Study by GE Gas Power and IHI Corp: Study in Japan explores using ammonia as gas turbine fuel, aiming for 100% combustion by 2030, reducing carbon emissions. Ammonia Co-firing Slash CO2 Emissions: Mitsubishi and JERA’s Studies – Mitsubishi and JERA study ammonia co-firing potential, aiming for a 20% co-firing rate in Chile and Japan, exploring ammonia as a cost-effective, carbon-free fuel. Ammonia-Hydrogen Engine by Deutsche Bahn and Fortescue: Green Railways – Ammonia-hydrogen engines aim to run on green ammonia and hydrogen, with higher energy density than liquid hydrogen, trialed by DB and FFI.
