Alternative Fuels Take Center Stage
Ships powered by large internal combustion engines are
responsible for about 2 to 3 % of global energy-related CO2
emissions. In July 2023, the IMO’s Marine Environment Pro-
tection Committee therefore adopted a revised greenhouse
gas (GHG) strategy with ambitious targets: By 2050, net-zero
emissions shall be achieved.
One way to achieve these goals is through the widespread
use of alternative fuels, especially those that are carbon-free.
Ammonia is one of the most intensively studied options. It is
carbon-free and can be processed on board without directly
producing GHG emissions. If produced by electrolysis with
Achieving IMO CO2 Targets
Converting Traditional
Engines to Alternative
Fuels for Maritime
Decarbonization
The maritime sector must cut its carbon footprint to meet the
International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) net-zero targets for 2050.
Converting conventional engines to run on alternative fuels such as
ammonia offers a promising path. AVL demonstrates how innovative
combustion concepts and proven methodologies can accelerate this
transition.
renewable power sources, the well-to-wake emissions over
the whole supply chain are at the same low level (100 gCO2/
kWh-GWP100) as e-methane, e-methanol, and e-hydrogen.
Ammonia is attractive not only because of its zero direct GHG
emissions but also due to its favorable storage properties
compared to hydrogen. In addition, ammonia – mainly pro-
duced from fossil resources today – is already a commonly
traded commodity and available at many seaports through
existing infrastructure.
Investigating Three Combustion Concepts
In this context, AVL has recently investigated different ammo-
nia combustion concepts for high-speed internal combustion
Early combustion
in a diesel-ignited
ammonia engine
with high-pressure
fuel injection
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