1st Life Cycle GHG Emission Study ​on the Use of Ammonia as Marine Fuel

“We are confident this work will provide IMO with solid information contributing to its regulatory decisions. SGMF will continue to provide up-to-date data now including ammonia (this study), methanol and hydrogen.“

Mark Bell, General Manager, SGMF

The use of Ammonia as marine fuel in current marine engines shows potential GHG reductions over the entire life cycle from Well-to-Wake (WtW). The benefit depends largely on the production pathway of the Ammonia and the specific conditions along the supply chain (carbon intensity of used electricity, natural gas if used, transport distance, and where applicable the carbon capture rate). ​

Within NECA (Tier III NOX-limit) the use of Ammonia fuelled ships can reduce GHG emissions by up to 61 % in the base case compared with ships operating on MGO.​

This comprehensive report uses the latest primary data to assess all major types of marine engines and global sources of supply with quality data provided by BASF, Equinor, Fortescue, MAN Energy Solutions, Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Yara on the supply side, and expertise from the original equipment manufacturers including MAN Energy Solutions, Wärtsilä, and Winterthur Gas & Diesel. GHG emissions from the supply chains as well as emissions released during the onboard combustion process, slip have been included in the analysis.​