Recently, though, a handful of projects aim to change that. Most ammonia is the product of a highly carbon-intensive process and is primarily used to make fertilizers and chemicals. Even if they were, the supply of renewable, or “green,' ammonia produced using carbon-neutral methods is virtually nonexistent. But there's a crucial caveat: No vessels of any size today are equipped to use the fuel. Shipowners and industry analysts say they expect ammonia to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing cargo ships. Meeting that target will require swift and widespread development of diesel-fuel alternatives and new designs for freighters, tankers, and container ships. In 2018, delegates agreed to reduce emissions by 50 percent from 2008 levels by 2050.

International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations body that regulates the industry. Maritime shipping contributes nearly 3 percent of annual carbon-dioxide emissions, according to the Shipping companies seek climate-friendlier alternatives to petroleum that can propel their behemoth vessels for days or weeks at sea and still leave room on board for cargo. And it has 10 times the energy density of a lithium-ion battery.ģ) is gaining favor in the global shipping industry, a multitrillion-dollar machine in need of cleaner fuels to power the freighters and tankers that haul manufactured goods and bulk materials across the ocean. Unlike hydrogen, it doesn't have to be stored in high-pressure tanks or cryogenic dewars. Both fuel cells and internal combustion engines can use it. It's abundant and common, and it can be made using renewable electricity, water, and air. This colorless fuel emits no carbon dioxide when burned.

Carbon neutral shipment