Decarbonization of shipping is a core trend in global maritime development, and the application of zero carbon fuels is a key breakthrough. Domestic ship fuel enterprises have overcome difficulties and successfully implemented the first ammonia fuel commercial ship refueling practical operation, filling the gap in China's green shipping technology.

Breakthrough high-risk refueling

Recently, China Shipbuilding successfully completed the first ammonia fuel powered commercial ship liquid ammonia refueling operation in China, achieving a milestone breakthrough in the application of zero carbon fuel in domestic shipping and providing a mature Chinese solution for the decarbonization development of global shipping. Liquid ammonia is recognized by the International Maritime Organization as the mainstream zero carbon marine fuel for the future, but it has the characteristics of being toxic, volatile, low-temperature, and prone to vaporization. The risk of refueling operations is extremely high, and it is considered a high-risk maritime operation. This assignment covers 12 key links such as the connection of hazardous chemical transportation ship shore interface and medium transportation on highways. Any hidden danger may cause safety accidents, and there is no mature operating standard in China to refer to before. After 210 days of specialized technical research and development, China Shipbuilding successfully overcame the difficulties of the entire operation process and completed the first practical operation safely and steadily. Keywords: ammonia fuel injection, green shipping

Improve green layout

As a leading domestic marine fuel supplier, China Shipbuilding has established a refueling service system covering six types of clean energy sources, including LNG, green methanol, and others. The mature implementation of liquid ammonia refueling technology this time further improves the ability to supply clean energy in multiple scenarios on land and sea, and thoroughly clears the core obstacles to the commercial operation of ammonia fueled ships. According to the International Shipping Association's prediction, ammonia fueled ships will account for 15% of the global merchant fleet by 2030. This technological practice will help China seize the opportunity in the green shipping track ahead of schedule and continue to enhance its core competitiveness in low-carbon maritime technology.Editor/Min Jing