How the shipping industry is betting on ammonia as part of a cleaner energy mix

The shipping industry produces about 3% of global CO₂ emissions, and an IEA-backed pathway cited in the article suggests hydrogen-based fuels such as ammonia may need to supply around 30% of maritime fuel by 2050. Ammonia is attracting attention because it’s easier to store and transport than hydrogen, and it can also be a practical carrier for hydrogen. In Japan, shipping company NYK Line and IHI Power Systems are developing what they call the world’s first ammonia-fuelled tugboat, while working with authorities to mitigate safety risks because ammonia is toxic. The article also notes that today’s ammonia production isn’t clean, so projects in Fukushima are making green ammonia using renewable electricity, and a new plant is planned to scale this. Meanwhile, power generator JERA plans a trial to co-fire 20% ammonia at its Hekinan plant and aims to run fully on ammonia by 2050—likely requiring a new supply chain and, at first, “blue ammonia” using carbon capture.