1. 🌍 The need to decarbonize the shipping industry
- Context: International shipping is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions (approximately 2-3% of global emissions).
- Driving force: International Maritime Organizations (IMOs) and regional regulations (such as the EU's FuelEU Maritime) are setting stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets.
- The Challenge: Transitioning from fossil fuels (fuel oil) to sustainable alternative fuels to achieve long-term Net Zero goals
- fuel : LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
- Brief description : Liquefied natural gas stored at low temperatures
- Usage status : It is currently the most widely used commercially.
- fuel : Methanol (methanol)
- Brief description : There is a lot of interest in new shipbuilding orders (especially Green Methanol).
- Usage status : There is a lot of interest in new shipbuilding orders (especially Green Methanol).
- fuel : Ammonia (ammonia)
- Brief description : Nitrogen and hydrogen compounds, room temperature liquids
- Usage status : It is an alternative for the future (Zero-carbon), but it is still in the development and safety evaluation stage.
3. ⚖️ In-depth comparison: Efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness
Here is a comparison of the key factors of each fuel type when used in marine engines:
✅ Carbon reduction efficiency (Environmental Performance)
- LNG: Reducing emissions$\text{CO}_2$It is about 15-20% more efficient than fuel oil, but has a risk of methane gas leakage ($\text{CH}_4$) which is a GHG with higher potential$\text{CO}_2$(called Methane Slip )
- Methanol: Methanol produced from fossil fuels$\text{CO}_2$It is less than LNG, but Green Methanol (produced from biomass or renewable energy) can reduce$\text{GHG}$Up to Carbon Neutral
- Ammonia: When produced in Green Ammonia (from green hydrogen), it can release$\text{CO}_2$It can be zero in the implementation process, but there are challenges in managing it.$\text{Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)}$As a by-product
🛡️ Safety and Handling
- LNG: Must be stored in high-pressure tanks at freezing temperatures (approximately$-162^\circ\text{C}$), there is a risk of explosion and methane leakage.
- Methanol: It is a liquid at room temperature, easier to store and transport than LNG, and uses existing infrastructure well, but has a lower flash point than conventional fuels and is toxic to contact.
- Ammonia: Highly toxic and corrosive, safety is a major challenge requiring the development of strict standards and procedures.
- LNG: Highest commercial availability and competitively priced today. Requires modifications to engines and storage tanks (bunkering infrastructure is becoming more common).
- Methanol: Its calorific value is half that of fuel oil (requires more fuel and larger tank space), but engine modifications are relatively easy. Green Methanol also has a high production cost.
- Ammonia: Current fuel costs are relatively high, requiring major engine modifications to handle different combustion properties, and significant investment in fuel supply chains and storage.
4. 📊 Summary and future trends
- Transitional role: LNG and methanol (especially methanol) have a key role in the medium term (2025-2035) as they are readily available and help meet early environmental requirements.
- Long-term goal: Ammonia and Green Methanol are the most potential options for achieving Net Zero carbon targets in the long term (2040 onwards).
- Strategic Decisions: Ship operators must plan their investments based on "Well-to-Wake" (the release of$\text{GHG}$From fuel production to use) to ensure that the selected fuel will continue to meet stricter requirements in the future.
Main Topics :
- Maritime Decarbonization, Alternative Fuels, Zero-Emission Shipping, Maritime Decarbonization
Specific Fuels :
- LNG, Methanol, Ammonia, Green Methanol, Green Ammonia
Assessment :
- Efficiency, Safety, Cost-effectiveness, IMO Regulations, FuelEU Maritime
Technical/Industry :
- Marine engines, maritime transport, clean energy, alternative fuels
Trend :
- Net Zero, Future Energy, Energy Transition
Illustration 1: The Decarbonization Challenge & Key Fuels
Illustration 2: Environmental Impact Comparison
Illustration 3: Safety and Handling Considerations
Illustration 4: Cost & Technical Feasibility
