Enabling the world's first ammonia-powered vessel for a zero-carbon future

Ammonia-powered ship engine revolutionizes green shipping

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True green shipping becomes possible

An ammonia-driven ship engine along with an essential supply fuel system is now a reality through the innovation project, AEngine – and for the first time true green shipping becomes possible.

As part of the global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in shipping Eltronic FuelTech has, in collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions, DTU (Technical University of Denmark), and the Norwegian classification company DNV, developed an ammonia-driven ship engine along with an essential supply fuel system.

The full-scale ammonia marine engine is the first of its kind in the world, and during the testing phase, combustion was carried out on a MAN B&W two-stroke 4T50ME-X type engine. This yielded positive results with particularly promising data regarding pilot oil quantity and combustion stability, thus giving rise to a new type of ship engine, while the supply system ensures safe handling and provision of ammonia as fuel onboard the ship.

“To achieve true zero-carbon shipping, ammonia is the most viable fuel. Until now, the technology to safely handle ammonia as fuel has not been in place, but it is now, and it is a huge step in the right direction for the maritime sector that the ammonia engine and the associated supply system are now a reality,” says Louise Andreasen, CEO Eltronic FuelTech.

The joined project, AEngine hereby represents a significant and groundbreaking milestone in the quest for green shipping and the road towards a carbon-free future.

Strong collaborations drive the success of the AEngine project 

The world’s leading developer of low-speed engines for large commercial ships, MAN Energy Solutions leads the AEngine project, while Eltronic FuelTech is responsible for developing the supply system and FVT (Fuel Valve Train) that enables ammonia to be safely transported from the tank to the engine. Eltronic FuelTech has already developed similar supply or safety systems for more than 550 ships running on alternative fuels such as methanol, LPG, and LNG. 

The strong results of the first test are directly affected by the strong collaboration in the AEngine project.  

The new technology moves closer to commercialization 

The completed ammonia engine is expected to be delivered in late 2024 or early 2025, and the technology is also intended to be implemented on ships in the existing fleet. “With this groundbreaking new technology, we can contribute to greener shipping. Just as we have seen increasing support for green methanol recently, we see tremendous potential in ammonia, which undoubtedly will become a significant player within a few years, especially when large container ships adopt it. This will result in a considerable CO2 reduction for the planet,” says Louise Andreasen.

To achieve true zero-carbon shipping, ammonia is one the most viable fuels. Until now, the technology to safely handle ammonia as fuel has not been in place, but it is now, and it is a huge step in the right direction for the maritime sector

Louise Andreasen, CEO Eltronic FuelTech

Decarbonizing the shipping industry is crucial to reduce total greenhouse emissions

Decarbonizing the shipping industry is of paramount importance in the global effort to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions. Given that Shipping represents 2.9% of total greenhouse emissions, tackling its carbon footprint is a critical step toward achieving a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

The industry’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly heavy bunker fuels, has implications for climate change. To address this challenge, adopting cleaner and more sustainable technologies, fuels, and operational practices is essential. Decarbonizing the shipping sector is not just an environmental imperative but also a key component of global strategies to combat climate change and work towards a low-carbon future   

Image to the right  shows successful ammonia combustion in a MAN B&W two-stroke engine.

Why Ammonia is one of the most promising future fuels

Low-Carbon Powerhouse: Ammonia offers minimal carbon emissions, a game-changer for greener shipping. 

High Energy Density: Efficient energy storage in a compact space, perfect for long-distance voyages. 

Global Availability: Widely accessible, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

Retrofit-Friendly: Adaptable for existing ship engines, streamlining the transition. 

 Hydrogen Potential: A gateway to hydrogen propulsion, expanding clean energy options. 

Our solutions within Ammonia fuel operations

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