The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) – of which DNV is a founding member – has today released a new report on the use of ammonia as a marine fuel.

The preliminary discussion report reveals various ideas and diverse comments on the use of alternative fuels from different points of view, while not prioritising any opinion in a specific direction but rather underlining the need for further research and collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for shipping.

Specifically, the identification of the key safety concerns tied to ammonia based on members’ both common and diverse understanding from different perspectives may become a significant input to the industry for further relevant investigations and discussions.

The report’s launch marks the MTF’s second publication to investigate how the maritime industry can achieve the IMO’s carbon reduction targets.

Ammonia has been acknowledged by the industry as a potential energy source that does not emit carbon particles upon combustion. However, the technology is not yet mature, infrastructure for production and delivery is lacking, work to address its toxicity is ongoing, and currently there is no concrete regulatory framework that will allow the use of ammonia as fuel for ships at sea. Further long-term research is critical to acquire a sufficient understanding of the potential environmental impacts of such an endeavor.

The report’s main objective was to trigger discussion among MTF members. Several questions converged on the potential regulation of ammonia, the basic properties of the fuel and appropriate safety measures.

The members’ views on these topics have been consolidated in the report with the conclusion that further long-term research is needed to understand the environmental impact of introducing ammonia into the fuel mix.

Commenting on the report, a spokesperson for the MTF said:

“The Maritime industry, and the world, is facing one of its greatest challenges: decarbonization. To get more clarity on the road ahead, the industry must address and discuss the challenges together to ensure safety remains at the heart of any new fuel developments.

“We hope the observations and findings from this project will contribute to future discussions on alternative fuels and help further promote decarbonization efforts within our industry.”

The founding members of the MTF are: DNV, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Japan’s Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Lloyd’s Register (LR), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The MTF is a forum of Flag States and Classification Societies established to provide technical and regulatory expertise to benefit the maritime industry. The role of the Forum is to work together on research which it will publish to the maritime industry and draw on regulatory expertise to be able to offer unbiased advice to the shipping sector. It will seek to give guidance on the use of alternative fuels and increased levels of automation in the industry. Furthermore, it will allow for the safe testing and adoption of new technologies, and it will help shape world-leading regulation.