Bureau Veritas (BV), in partnership with Total Energies, has launched a study aimed at reducing the risks of ammonia as a marine fuel, with a particular focus on the mitigation and treatment of ammonia leaks.
This study expands the shipping industry’s understanding of ammonia as a ship fuel by assessing the risks to the health and safety of crew and passengers from ammonia leaks and identifying key safety standards.
So far, the research has examined single-wall and double-wall seals as well as different leakage scenarios during filling operations. Key insights are also provided on the efficiency of ventilation and vapor handling systems, the size of required safe areas, and the health risks to personnel exposed to ammonia leaks.
BV said ammonia is one of the main zero-carbon fuel options currently envisaged by the shipping industry. Ammonia emits no carbon dioxide when burned and can be produced using renewable energy, making it a top contender among potential alternative fuels.
However, ammonia also poses some safety challenges. Ammonia is toxic to humans, and exposure above certain levels and durations can have serious health effects on the crew and those on board. Therefore, it is crucial for ship owners and designers to prevent ammonia leakage accidents during ship operation and bunkering.
Since ammonia-powered engines and propulsion systems are still under development, BV and Total Energy assessed how high ammonia concentrations in the air would cause danger and compared them with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
An LNG-fueled tanker was used as a model for comparison, ultimately showing the stark contrast between the two fuels. LNG becomes dangerous at a concentration of around 50,000ppm (parts per million), and long-term exposure to ammonia at concentrations above 30ppm, or exposure to 300ppm ammonia for one hour, will have an impact on human health..
In response, BV pointed out that unless the design is modified, the safe distance of ammonia must be much greater than that of LNG.
Compared with LNG fuel ships, ammonia fuel ships require stricter on-board leakage management and steam gas treatment to avoid exposure of personnel on board to any small leaks.
