Ammonia

Expert shares insights on ammonia’s toxicity as a bunker fuel

Muammer Akturk, a Senior Marine Surveyor, provides insights into the intricacies of ammonia’s toxicity, the safety measures needed, and the evolving regulations shaping its adoption.

Published

1 year ago

September 12, 2023

Admin

Muammer Akturk, a Senior Marine Surveyor specialising in alternative bunker fuels, recently published an article on ammonia as a marine fuel in his Alternative Marine Fuels Newsletter.

He provides insights into the intricacies of ammonia’s toxicity, the safety measures needed, and the evolving regulations shaping its adoption with the recent discussions at IMO:

Introduction

The maritime sector confronts several significant challenges, primarily due to increasingly stringent regulations concerning emissions and climate change. Factors such as globalization, geopolitical shifts, digitalization, and cybersecurity concerns are further complicating an already intricate operational environment as the shipping industry seeks efficient propulsion and fuel strategies for its global fleet.

The recent alterations to the IMO’s Initial GHG-Reduction Strategy is an international pivot in the maritime industry towards adopting zero-carbon and low-carbon fuels by 2050.

Amidst the diverse array of technological and fuel options currently under consideration by ship designers, builders, owners, and operators, anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is emerging as a potential marine fuel that could be introduced relatively swiftly. It presents a zero-carbon solution (measured from tank to wake) and when considering the entire lifecycle from production to usage (well-to-wake), green ammonia holds the promise of being the ultimate solution. However, it is important to recognize that while ammonia hold great potential, addressing its inherent toxicity remains as a pivotal challenge in harnessing its full benefits.

Properties of Ammonia

Ammonia, under standard atmospheric conditions, exists as a colorless gas and is known for its distinctive strong odor. When subjected to higher pressures, it transitions into a liquid state, simplifying its transportation and storage.

Ammonia exhibits a relatively limited flammability range when compared to some alternative fuels being explored within the shipping industry. However, it is vital to acknowledge its toxicity and high reactivity.

At lower concentrations, ammonia can cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, and skin, while at higher concentrations or upon direct contact, it poses an immediate life-threatening risk. Symptoms encompass breathing difficulties, chest pain, bronchospasms, and, in severe cases, pulmonary edema, characterized by lung fluid accumulation leading to respiratory failure.

Skin exposure to concentrated ammonia can result in severe chemical burns, while contact with the eyes can induce pain, excessive tearing, conjunctival swelling, iris and corneal damage, as well as conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. Acute exposure to liquid ammonia can manifest as skin redness, swelling, skin ulcers, and frostbite.

Health Risks Associated with Ammonia Fuel Usage

Owing to its harmful properties, ammonia is categorized as a hazardous substance. National standards

regulate exposure levels and duration, often establishing Permissible Exposure Limits around 50 ppm (parts per million), Recommended Exposure Limits at 25 ppm, and recognizing the Immediate Danger to Life or Health threshold at 300 ppm. Refer to Table 1 for details on exposure duration and associated health effects measured in ppm.

Table 1: Ammonia concentration and Hazard to Human Health

Acute Exposure Guideline Level (AEGL): Ammonia

AEGL 1: Causes irritation but is recoverable immediately when the exposure is stopped

AEGL 2: Cause irreversible or long-lasting health hazards

AEGL 3: Fatal

Potential Source of Ammonia Leakages Onboard

Presently, there are ongoing industry efforts to design and build both an ammonia-powered engine and a corresponding ammonia fuel supply system. These developments facilitate the identification of potential ammonia leaks within a ship’s system. Figure 1 illustrates various sources of ammonia leakage in the ship’s open areas, with the key sources being:

4.1 Sources of Ammonia Leakage in Open Areas

Ammonia fuel tank PRV open.
Fuel supply system purge/vent/bleed outlet.
Ventilation outlets in fuel prep room, TCS, double wall spaces.
Bunkering manifold in open zones.

4.2 Sources of Ammonia Release in Enclosed Spaces

Fuel preparation room (FPR).
TCS (Tank Connection Space).
Double wall spaces, including GVU room (Gas Valve Unit).
Enclosed bunkering station (if present).

4.3 Release Sources Under Normal Operating Conditions

Controlled releases from fuel prep ventilation outlets.
Purging and venting outlets with safety measures.
Safety measures include gas detection, alarms, shutdown, and ammonia treatment.

4.4 Release Sources in Emergency Situations

Uncontrolled release during emergencies, like fires near fuel tanks.
Large release potentially covering entire ship with harmful ammonia concentration.
Operation of ammonia treatment facility might not feasibly reduce vast gas release.

Figure 1: Potential Source of Ammonia leakages onboard (Source CCC 9/3/1)

Development of IMO Draft Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Ammonia as Fuel

The 9th session of CCC is scheduled to take place from September 20 to 29. Much attention is currently focused on drafting guidelines related to alternative fuels, crucial for the industry's decarbonization goals. One notable effort is the formulation of interim guidelines ensuring the safety of ships utilizing ammonia as fuel.

These interim guidelines are intended for ships subject to SOLAS Chapter II-1 Part G compliance and should be used alongside the IGF Code, incorporating specific considerations for hazards and fuel properties. Completion of this work is anticipated by the end of 2024.

The safety framework employed in the IGF Code for LNG systems encompasses five core principles:

Segregation: Ensuring protection of the fuel tank and installation against mechanical harm and fires.
Integrity: Designing the fuel system to minimize fuel leakage.
Implementing double barriers in all fuel system components to prevent leaks.
Detecting and warning of system leakages, enabling automatic safety responses.
Automatically shutting down the fuel supply system upon leakage detection to mitigate potential consequences.

Additional critical safety measures are required to address fuel's toxicity properties too. A thorough understanding of these unique properties and their impact on risk assessment is vital for implementing effective safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with ammonia as a fuel. This serves as a critical foundation for the development of robust safety regulations.

As depicted in Figure 2, the safety principles outlined in the IGF Code for natural gas can be adapted for ammonia, albeit with substantial modifications to address the heightened toxicity risk in case of containment breach. The existing IGF Code requirements for natural gas do not encompass fuel toxicity, necessitating more stringent safety measures to safeguard against ammonia exposure during normal operation and emergencies.

Figure 2: Ammonia toxicity risk table on IGF Code concept (Source CCC 9.INF7)

Final Thoughts

The utilization of ammonia as a fuel in the maritime industry holds promise for decarbonization efforts. However, it comes with inherent toxicity issues that necessitate careful consideration. Safety guidelines and principles established for LNG systems, while adaptable to ammonia, require substantial modifications to address the elevated toxicity risk. Understanding the unique properties of ammonia, its potential health impacts, and implementing effective safety barriers are fundamental steps in mitigating the associated risks. As the industry progresses towards ammonia as a viable alternative fuel, robust safety regulations and comprehensive safety measures must evolve in parallel to ensure a safe and sustainable transition.

Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Source: Alternative Marine Fuels Newsletter
Published: 12 September, 2023

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Argus Green Marine Fuels Asia eBook released ahead of February bunker conference

eBook features interviews with Microsoft, JERA, IBIA, Anglo American, Sumitomo Corporation, Hafnia, BHP, Global Maritime Forum, DS NORDEN, ADNOC Group, and Standard Chartered Bank.

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Argus Media organises Green Marine Fuels Asia Conference in Singapore

Independent global energy and commodity market intelligence provider Argus Media recently published an eBook as part of a prelude leading towards the Argus Green Marine Fuels Asia Conference on 18 to 19 February in Singapore.

The Pre-conference content: Argus marine fuels Asia eBook features exclusive industry interviews with Microsoft, JERA, IBIA, Anglo American, Sumitomo Corporation, Hafnia, BHP, Global Maritime Forum, DS NORDEN, ADNOC Group, and Standard Chartered Bank.

It offers a peek into their thoughts on infrastructure readiness, the marine fuels shipowners are gravitating towards, LNG decarbonisation pathways, collaboration across the marine fuels value chain, and more.

The eBook is available for download through the image below:

The Argus Green Marine Fuels Asia Conference will be held at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594 on 18 to 19 February in Singapore.

Key speakers for the event include Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA); Torben Nørgaard, Chief Technology Officer - Energy & Fuels, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center; Jerid Soo, Assistant General Manager (Global Sustainability and ESG), Pacific International Lines; Kazuki Yamaguchi, General Manager and Head, Maritime Energy Solution, Energy Transformation Business Group, Sumitomo Corporation; and Mahua Chakravarty, Editor, Marine Fuels (Asia), Argus.

Photo credit: Argus Media
Published: 17 January, 2024

Ammonia

Co-loaded shipment operation brings Trafigura a step closer to ammonia bunkering

First co-loaded shipment operation follows Trafigura’s first STS transfer of ammonia in July 2024 for CF Industries, ‘demonstrating the safe and efficient transfer of the feasibility of ammonia bunkering in the future’.

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2025

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Trafigura co-loaded shipment demonstrates feasibility of ammonia bunkering

Trafigura, a market leader in the global commodities industry, in collaboration with CF Industries, the world’s largest producer of ammonia, today announced the completion of the first co-loaded ammonia and propane shipment operation of its kind.

This shipment follows Trafigura’s first ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia in July 2024 for CF Industries, ‘demonstrating the safe and efficient transfer of the feasibility of ammonia bunkering in the future’ as demand grows for the hydrogen-based low carbon fuels that will enable the shipping industry to decarbonise.

In early January, the Green Power Medium Gas Carrier (MGC) completed a single voyage from the US to Europe loaded with ammonia from CF Industries and with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane) in separate tanks.

The co-loaded vessel project was intended in part as a demonstration of capabilities needed for the efficient and economic transport of low-carbon ammonia to supply ports that may not require a full vessel of ammonia.

The ability to co-load low-carbon ammonia with LPG is one pathway to supporting the scale up in availability of low emission fuels. Low-carbon ammonia continues to be a leading alternative fuel candidate for applications such as coal co-firing as well as supporting the marine shipping industry transition from heavy fuel oil to alternatives with a lower-carbon intensity.

“We transport LPG and ammonia from the US to Europe on similar ships on a regular basis,” said Patricio Norris, Global Head of Ammonia and LPG for Trafigura.

“We can improve the economics for our customers and reduce emissions with fewer voyages by safely co-loading Ammonia and LPG in the same vessel.”

“We appreciate the partnership we have with Trafigura as we take steps together to help prepare for demand growth of low-carbon ammonia and the expected transition of the marine shipping industry to low-carbon ammonia as a fuel,” said Bert Frost, Executive Vice President, Sales, Market Development and Supply Chain, CF Industries.

“Ammonia is safely transported around the world by vessels daily, and this voyage reinforces the flexibility we have to serve emerging low-carbon ammonia demand as we innovate shipping methods with industry-leaders such as Trafigura.”

Ammonia was loaded onto the Green Power from CF Industries’ Donaldsonville, Louisiana, manufacturing complex and LPG was loaded into separate tanks of the vessel in Corpus Christi, Texas. Following a review of applicable regulations, permission from the US Coast Guard, a detailed risk assessment and planning with the ports, shipowner and operator Purus and STS company International Fender Providers (IFP), the loadings proceeded

Strict segregation requirements ensured that any crossover of liquid, condensate or vapour was prevented. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the LPG was discharged via a ship-to-ship (STS) operation in the Mediterranean for use in domestic heating and the ammonia was discharged at Tees Port for CF Fertilisers UK.

CF Industries is currently progressing a carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project at its Donaldsonville facility that will enable it to produce substantial volumes of low-carbon ammonia. The CCS project is expected to start-up in 2025.

Photo credit: Trafigura
Published: 17 January, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore annual bunker fuel sales soar to a record high in 2024

Total bunker sales registered a new high of 54.92 million mt in 2024; increased uptake was partly due to the extended Asia-Europe shipping routes via Cape of Good Hope given disruptions in the Red Sea.

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2025

Admin

Singapore’s annual vessel arrival tonnage, total tonnage of ships under the Singapore flag, container throughput, total bunker sales, and sales of alternative bunker fuels, reached new highs in 2024, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore on Wednesday (15 January).

These were among some of the announcements by Mr Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport, at the annual Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) New Year Conversations event. Mr Murali said that despite strained global supply chains, Maritime Singapore has maintained strong growth momentum in 2024 and looks forward to continued steady growth in 2025.

Total bunker sales registered a new high of 54.92 million metric tonnes (mt), marking a 6.0% year-on-year increase from 51.82 million mt recorded in 2023.

The increased uptake was partly due to the extended Asia-Europe shipping routes via the Cape of Good Hope given the disruptions in the Red Sea.

Singapore made steady progress as the world’s largest bunkering port, supplying over a sixth of the total fuel used by global shipping.

Sales of alternative bunker fuels exceeded one million tonnes for the first time to reach 1.34 million tonnes in 2024, a year-on-year doubling. Specifically, the sale of biofuel blends grew from 0.52 million tonnes in 2023 to 0.88 million tonnes.

Biofuel blends of up to B50 are available commercially with trials of up to B100 on-going. LNG increased from 0.11 million tonnes in 2023 to 0.46 million tonnes.

An Expression of Interest was launched in December 2024 to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading to complement the existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and support the supply of e-/bio methane as marine fuel in Singapore. Methanol was available on a commercial scale and registered 1,626 mt, while 9.74 mt of ammonia was bunkered for the first time globally in trials in Singapore.

As part of the pro-enterprise rules review exercise led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong to help lower business costs, MPA will reduce the verification frequency of mass flow meters from twice to once a year, starting 1 April 2025. This aligns with the updated

SS648:2024 standards and is expected to save the industry approximately SGD 300,000 a year. Risk-based audits will continue as the industry undertakes the transition.

As a leading International Maritime Centre, Singapore is home to close to 200 international shipping groups. In addition, more than 30 maritime companies spanning shipping, legal, insurance, shipbroking, and marine tech sectors, have established or expanded their operations in Singapore during the year. Notably, classification society RINA announced the set-up of its Open Innovation Hub in Singapore.

Total business spending by key maritime companies overseen by MPA increased to SGD 5.2 billion in 2024, up from SGD 4.8 billion the previous year.

Electronic Bunker Delivery Notes

From 1 April 2025, all bunker suppliers will need to provide digital bunkering services and issue electronic bunker delivery (e-BDN) notes by default. A standard for digital bunkering supply chain documentation (SS709:2024) was also published in November 2024.

Singapore is the first port to implement digital bunkering at scale for bunkering operations following approval by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to use eBDN at the 80th meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee in 2023.

New Fuels

To support the operationalisation of ammonia bunkering, EnterpriseSG and MPA will develop the Singapore standards for ammonia bunkering by 2025.

The lead developer for a low- or zero-carbon ammonia power generation and bunkering solution on Jurong Island under the Request for Proposal launched by MPA and the Energy Market Authority of Singapore is expected to be announced in 2025.

MPA is also currently developing the Technical Reference for methanol bunkering, which will cover safety procedures, crew competencies, custody transfer requirements, and the framework to govern the use of the MFM and digital documentation records for methanol bunkering. This Technical Reference is expected to be released in 2025.

MPA, together with Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Standards Council, industry stakeholders, and academia, has developed a Technical Reference (TR) for electric harbour craft (e-HC) charging and battery swap systems to support the development of the e-HC charging infrastructure and ecosystem in the Port of Singapore. Details of the TR will be announced in the coming months.

Photo credit: Murali Pillai Facebook page
Published: 16 January, 2024