Is There a Viable LNG to Ammonia Fuel Pathway?

Is LNG to ammonia a viable pathway for helping shipowners get to net zero?

From an engine point of view there is a pathway, but there are two points to consider, says Lars Tingbjerg Danielsen, Two-Stroke Promotion Manager – Newbuildings at Everllence. First, the case where an engine is capable of burning both methane and ammonia; second the case where an engine starts its service burning methane and then later switches to burning ammonia.

“If we look at the idea of an engine capable of burning both methane and ammonia, it is our belief that this is not a request from the market. Multi-fuel engines could at first glance appear to have multiple appealing points, but after a closer look it becomes evident that such an engine will in reality have multiple limiting factors resulting in an engine that will not be optimized for anything.

“To explain it in a graphic way, engine design and optimization can basically be considered like setting up a tent on a campsite: If you want to have the view of the lake, you can’t be close to the toilet buildings. If you further want to be far away from the ants, you can’t be