China has successfully powered a seafaring vessel using green ammonia for the first time, signaling a major breakthrough in the quest for cleaner maritime transportation. On Friday, a ship operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation underwent the world’s first pure ammonia fuel bunkering operation at a terminal in Dalian City, located in northeast China’s Liaoning Province.
The vessel, designed for port operations, is equipped with two full-pressure ammonia fuel tanks installed on either side of its main deck. These tanks provide stable power support to the ship’s main engine, allowing for a maximum ammonia energy replacement ratio of 91 percent. This significantly reduces the vessel’s reliance on traditional fossil fuels, cutting emissions and promoting sustainability.
The green ammonia used in this operation originates from the world’s largest green hydrogen and ammonia project, based in Chifeng City in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The facility boasts an impressive annual capacity of 1.52 million tonnes and utilizes artificial intelligence-driven new power system technology to achieve a 100 percent direct connection to green electricity sources.
Ammonia, commonly known as a major feedstock in the chemical industry, possesses high energy density and, importantly, is carbon-free. When fully combusted, it releases only water and nitrogen, making it a highly promising alternative fuel for decarbonizing the shipping industry.
This pioneering use of green ammonia in maritime fuel demonstrates China’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions. As the global community grapples with climate change, such advancements in clean energy technologies are crucial steps toward a more sustainable future.
