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ABS answers critical safety questions related to using ammonia as a marine fuel

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ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as STS, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.
RESIZED Venti Views on Unsplash

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Thursday (15 May) published its report to bring together the findings of its advanced research into the performance of ammonia on board.

Critical safety questions such as “how does ammonia behave when it leaks in an engine room?” and “how does a cloud of escaped ammonia disperse during bunkering operations?” are addressed in the latest ABS research.

ABS performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using advanced tools to quantitatively assess the risks associated with ammonia dispersion in accidental leakage scenarios. 

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as ship-to-ship, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

“This publication provides a comprehensive report of ABS’ efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by ammonia as a marine fuel,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

“Through detailed analysis of ammonia dispersion studies and emergency evacuation protocols, ABS is contributing to the discourse on safe and supportable maritime fuel alternatives, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.”

In addition to CFD simulation analysis, ABS leveraged the latest industry best practices and advancements in software and hardware – including acoustic cameras for detecting and visualizing ammonia leakage – to provide a thorough, three-part framework for owners and operators evaluating ammonia as a cleaner fuel source:

  • Proactive regulatory engagement and risk anticipation
  • Development and implementation of a multifaceted safety framework, combining qualitative and quantitative risk assessments
  • Real-time monitoring and optimized emergency response

Note: Download a copy of the ABS publication Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel here.

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 19 May, 2025

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