Despite the many regulatory, operational and practical hurdles to be overcome, green methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are all seen as promising (non fossil) fuels for the future of shipping.
Earlier this year, the Greek Shipowner Avin International took delivery of the 156,700 tonnes DWT Suezmax tanker Kriti Future, having the world’s first ammonia powered main engine. While currently running on conventional fuel she is classed by ABS as Ammonia Ready Level 1. Meanwhile, Rio Tinto and AngloEastern have joined a consortium of 34 companies formed by Itochu to build a Newcastlemax bulk carrier having similar dual fuel engines. It is also known that China is working on the design of ammonia powered container ships.