Alfa Laval To Deliver World’s First Ammonia-Incineration Marine Boiler

Image Credits: Alfa Laval

According to a recent announcement from Alfa Laval, the company has reached a meaningful milestone in maritime decarbonization by securing an order for the first-ever marine boiler system specifically designed to safely incinerate ammonia emissions. This groundbreaking technology will be implemented on four ammonia dual-fuel vessels, with delivery expected between 2027 and 2028.

A Game-Changer for Ammonia-Powered Shipping

As the maritime sector shifts towards option fuels, ammonia is gaining traction as a promising zero-carbon option. However, utilizing it onboard ships necessitates sophisticated technologies due to its hazardous nature and the careful management required for purge gases and other waste products.

Alfa Laval is leading the charge in making ammonia a viable marine fuel. The company’s latest achievement involves delivering an innovative marine boiler system that acts as an Ammonia Release Mitigation System (ARMS), effectively managing ammonia waste incineration. This system will be installed on multi-gas carriers designed for transporting LPG and ammonia, commissioned by global commodities giant Trafigura.

This advanced boiler is part of a collaborative project that includes notable industry players like engine designer WinGD and shipbuilder HD Hyundai Mipo from South Korea.

“Our commitment to alternative fuels shows that we’re not just keeping pace with industry changes; we’re actively influencing them through our technological know-how,” stated Anders Lindmark, President of Heat & Gas Systems at Alfa Laval.“Building on our successes with LNG and methanol systems, we are excited to lead again with this innovative boiler solution that balances environmental stewardship with operational safety.”

Andrea Olivi,Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura,added: “This landmark initiative unites key players in advancing ammonia as a practical marine fuel. Alfa Laval’s cutting-edge technology addresses critical challenges hindering broader adoption while ensuring crew safety and environmental protection.”

Versatile Solutions for Ammonia Vessels

The new system goes beyond traditional steam generation; it efficiently incinerates gaseous mixtures produced by dual-fuel engines and related equipment onboard. This multifunctionality allows shipowners to cut costs significantly while conserving space by reducing additional equipment needs—all while effectively handling waste products.

“By enhancing our boiler’s capabilities to manage ammonia emissions directly, we’re helping shipowners save both money and space,” explained Stig Person from Alfa Laval’s R&D team. “Our design eliminates separate systems needed for managing purge emissions or boil-off gas—streamlining vessel architecture while boosting safety.”

Dong-jin Lee from HD Hyundai Mipo noted: “The initial deployment of this innovative boiler will set a precedent for future vessels—showing how safely using ammonia can optimize design efficiency.”

Expertise in Multi-Fuel Solutions

Alfa Laval has long been at the forefront of alternative fuel solutions thanks to decades of experience in fuel-handling technologies. The firm has successfully developed combustion systems tailored for LNG and methanol-powered ships—demonstrating its adaptability within an evolving energy landscape.The journey toward developing this ammonia-specific boiler began back in 2021 with internal studies followed by lab-scale tests starting in 2022. Full-scale testing commenced recently at their facility in Aalborg, Denmark—a crucial step toward commercializing their unique combustion technology aimed at addressing challenges associated with using ammonia as marine fuel safely.

David Jung from Alfa Laval remarked: “Our state-of-the-art system reflects extensive research efforts aimed at providing safe transition solutions for shipowners into using ammonia.” These vessels are poised to showcase fully integrated systems capable of incinerating ammonium waste—solidifying Alfa Laval’s position as leaders in maritime combustion technology focused on sustainability.