ITOCHU and U-Ming shake hands for ammonia-fuelled shipping

This collaboration between ITOCHU and U-Ming aims to further develop and expand the ammonia supply chain in line with ITOCHU’s Integrated Project, which focuses on the development of ammonia-fuelled ships and establishing a global ammonia supply chain.

In addition to ammonia-fueled ships, the collaboration between U-Ming and ITOCHU will explore and implement methods for decarbonizing the maritime industry, including the use of alternative fuels like methanol and energy-saving devices.

To remind, in mid-March, Fortescue, with the support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) government agencies, research institutes, and industry partners, conducted the world’s first use of ammonia, in combination with diesel in the combustion process, as a marine fuel onboard the Singapore-flagged ammonia-powered vessel, the Fortescue Green Pioneer, in the Port of Singapore.

Additionally, CMB.TECH recently announced the order of the world’s first ammonia-powered container vessel in partnership with Yara Clean Ammonia, North Sea Container Line and Yara International. 

During the 2023 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director Southeast Europe, Black Sea & Adriatic (SEEBA) Zone at Bureau Veritas, noted that as promulgated by the engine makers, ammonia as a fuel will probably reach maturity around 2035. The first step for ammonia to reach maturity is that port production should facilitate transportation. In addition, green hydrogen must be produced from renewable electricity. He also presented key benefits of ammonia including: 

1. Ammonia is the best carrier for hydrogen
2. There is handling experience because it’s being used as fertilizer
3. It’s mildly cryogenic (boiling point equal to -33^o degrees Celsius)
4. Its energy density is comparable to methanol.
5. Its production is mature
6. There is a well-established transport and storage infrastructure
7. No carbon emissions
8. Ammonia can be produced with renewable energy as source of electricity
9. Relatively low flammability
10. Lower boil-off rate