The Maersk Mc-Kinney M?ller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), in collaboration with leading maritime partners, has revealed a groundbreaking design for a 3,500 TEU container feeder powered by ammonia. This innovative design, developed with the support of key partners including Maersk, Everllence, Deltamarin, and Eltronic FuelTech, represents a major leap forward in the quest for decarbonizing the shipping industry.

Key highlights of the design include:

Ammonia as a Fuel: Utilizing ammonia for power offers a potential 97% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if produced from renewable energy.

Safety-First Design: The ship’s design incorporates multiple layers of risk management, including advanced ventilation, ammonia leak detection systems, and a “safe refuge” crew area.

Infrastructure Compatibility: The vessel has been designed with flexibility in mind, taking into account the current limitations in ammonia bunkering infrastructure, and features easy compatibility with conventional gas carriers for fueling.

Despite ammonia's toxicity, flammability, and corrosiveness, this design sets the stage for commercial ammonia-powered vessels, offering both a safer and more sustainable maritime future. It also highlights the ongoing need for specialized workforce training, as 800,000 maritime professionals are required to adapt to working with ammonia.

This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment for the maritime industry as it aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s Net Zero Framework, further driving the transition towards cleaner fuels and a decarbonized global shipping industry.

Source： Xinde Marine News Chen Yang