The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) has issued a guide on Ammonia explaining that the hazards surrounding ammonia’s toxicity are well understood, and the industry’s cumulative experience and knowledge will help establish safety and handling regulations for its bunkering and use as a fuel onboard.
IMO has already started he regulatory process for ammonia since 2022 and further guidance is expected by 2024.
The guide explains that ammonia. as it is currently produced from fossil feedstocks without CCS, will not provide a GHG reduction benefit to shipping. But like other alternative fuels, ammonia can help achieve decarbonization targets so long as its sustainable variants, such as ammonia made from renewable electricity, become commercially available and are utilised.
Ammonia has been produced safely in bulk for over 100 years and has been shipped in bulk for over 60 years. It is now one of the most produced inorganic chemicals worldwide and there is established infrastructire for its storage and global transportation.
The availabilty of low cost renewable energy will be a major determinant of where green hydrogen and hence green ammonia will be produced, the report says.
EXPLORE MORE BY READING THE SGMF GUIDE HERE
