Japan Engine Corporation, a manufacturer of marine engines, says it has begun final testing of a new engine that uses a fuel mixture of ammonia and heavy fuel oil. The testing involves running the engine alone in a factory to confirm safety and to check for abnormal behavior. Testing is expected to be completed by September, with production planned to begin in October.
The large, low-speed marine engine developed by the company can burn up to 95% ammonia (by heat ratio) mixed with heavy fuel oil. The engine used in this trial will be installed in an ammonia carrier ship currently under development with Nippon Yusen and others. The ship is expected to be completed in fiscal 2026.
Ammonia does not emit CO2 when burned. Switching from conventional engines that use fossil fuel heavy oil is expected to contribute to decarbonization.
However, burning ammonia can produce nitrogen oxides (NOx), which cause air pollution, and nitrous oxide (N2O), which contributes to global warming. The first engine will be equipped with devices to remove NOx and N2O.
Source: The Nikkei
PSR Analysis: New marine fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia are under research and development, but based on media reports, ammonia appears to be leading the way toward practical application. The main advantage is that it does not emit CO2 when burned. Tests are currently being conducted with a mixture of fuels, but the goal is to achieve combustion with ammonia alone. However, the supply chain for ammonia is virtually non-existent at this stage. It has not yet been decided that ammonia will become the mainstream new fuel, and the development of the necessary infrastructure at ports is likely to take some time. PSR
Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research
