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CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE STUDI CONTAINERSANNO XXXVIII - Numero SETTEMBRE 2020

TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

WHY AMMONIA MAY BE PART OF THE FUTURE FUEL MIX

"You need to build a scalable production of ammonia, utilising offshore windmill-fields or solar-power plants to provide the clean electricity required."

More points to ammonia as a promising zero-emission fuel. When based on wind or solar energy, it is a carbon-neutral option, with the infrastructure already in place, and ready to be mass-produced. After overcoming the challenges such us higher costs and the development of a new engine technology, it may become a part of the future fuel mix.

September 08 2020 - In connection with the UN Climate Action Summit, MAN Energy Solutions joined the Getting to Zero Coalition in September 2019 to help develop zero-emission vessels by 2030 with its industry partners.

We view the Getting to Zero Coalition's aims as closely aligned with our own strategy of cooperating with external partners to expand our business with sustainable technologies and solutions, such that they become our main source of revenue by 2030.

As I said, at the time of our joining the coalition, we understand the need to work with a wide group of industry partners to achieve this strategy and the Getting to Zero Coalition is therefore a perfect match. In shipping, MAN Energy Solutions has publicly spoken out in favour of a 'maritime energy transition' for some time now, which draws on the increased use of low-emission fuels. For us, the path to decarbonising the maritime economy starts with fuel decarbonisation, which will be a natural step towards the development of zero emission vessels.

But what fuel?

January 1, 2020, marked a milestone for the maritime shipping industry. From that date, all vessels became bound by new IMO rules restricting the use of high-sulphur fuels. While compliance with this was relatively straightforward for shipowners, decarbonisation will prove a tougher nut to crack and requires swift action.

As such, ships launched in 2030 will still be at sea in 2050 when - according to an IMO strategy adopted in April 2018 - the sector must reduce its total annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%.

Potential zero-carbon fuels include alternative fuels like synthetic methane, alcohol, green hydrogen, and ammonia. In this respect, there's naturally a bit of uncertainty because everybody realises the need for change. But it is also clear that you do not have just one solution.

Ammonia is a promising candidate

As a potential zero-carbon fuel, ammonia is an interesting candidate. Indeed, the DNV-GL declared in 2019: "Ammonia is the most promising, carbon-neutral fuel option for newbuildings."

Since large quantities of ammonia are already transported around the world, it is a well-established commodity with some 120 ports globally currently importing/exporting it, and some with storage facilities. Thus, using ammonia to power ships would be a natural step with infrastructure already in place.

The companies already producing and distributing ammonia around the world know ammonia technology and have an incentive to showcase it as it is a sustainable technology that could provide new business opportunities.

Sustainable production and competitivity

When discussing future fuels, one thing is clean sulphur-free fuels but the CO2 footprint of such fuels also needs to be looked at. In this context, so-called power-to-X solutions where fuels are produced from sustainable energy sources are worth investigating.

The ammonia you have in the market today is CO2-free but based more on fossil fuel. Manufacturing green ammonia implies that you take electricity created by windmills and react hydrogen with nitrogen to produce ammonia. What is interesting about this is that there is no carbon involved in the process, making it a completely carbon-free fuel.

There are certain barriers, however, for ammonia and green ammonia - as there are with green or synthetic methane. It is relatively expensive, compared to fossil-based fuels. When talking about merchant shipping and the two-stroke business, solutions need to be business-viable.

Even if the cost of moving goods by sea increases in the future due to the introduction of zero-carbon fuels, it will still be the most efficient method as nothing can compete with shipping in terms of transporting goods. What we need to do is to create global coalitions and get the IMO to support a CO2 tax, and then funnel the money into R&D development and into developing solutions for the supply chain and large-scale production of these fuel types.

Ultimately, you need to build a scalable production of ammonia, utilising offshore windmill-fields or solar-power plants to provide the clean electricity required. Hand in hand with this, the ammonia supply-chain will have to be scaled up so that sufficient bunkering capacity is in place to supply vessels. Another requirement is, of course, a suitable engine technology.

First ammonia engine by 2024

MAN Energy Solutions has a convincing track record in developing engines running on alternative fuels, having developed the world's first oceangoing ships driven respectively by LNG, methanol, ethane, and LPG.

In a technical paper released in late 2019, we noted that the two-stroke ammonia concept is an add-on to our electronic ME-engine and similar to the previous engine concepts for liquid gas injection propane (ME-LGIP) and liquid gas injection methanol (ME-LGIM).

The development of the LGI engine has already addressed challenges similar to those posed by ammonia - namely corrosion, toxicity and low flammability - and there would be little difference between an ammonia engine and the ME-LGIP/LGIM engines. In light of this, we aim to deliver the first ammonia-fuelled, two-stroke engine in 2024.

Ammonia-engine development will take place at our Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC) facility. We already kickstarted the project in early 2020 with a HAZID (hazard identification) workshop. Subsequently, the first engine tests are scheduled to begin in 2021 where the ammonia supply and auxiliary systems will be specified, with an after-treatment (emissions) solution specified by 2022. NOx emissions reductions are expected to be achieved via a Selective Catalytic Reaction (SCR) system, which has already proven itself in the industry.

A full-scale engine test is scheduled for 2023, the success of which will enable the first delivery of an ammonia-fuelled engine to the market in 2024. We are also working diligently towards a dual-fuel, ammonia-retrofit solution for existing engines, which will be available from Q1 2025.

globalmaritimeforum.org



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In the first three months of 2025, the Port of New York handled 2.2 million containers (+10.0%)
The Council of Ministers has approved the Infrastructure Decree-Law
Rixi: important measure for road haulage
Global Ship Lease revenues increased by +6.4% in the first quarter
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Filt, Fit and Uilt urge an urgent overcoming of the commissioner phase for the AdSP of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea
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Federlogistica, a proactive plan is needed to strengthen cybersecurity of ports and logistics
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Creation of a national fund urged
DP World to operate multipurpose terminal at Syrian port of Tartous
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An investment of 800 million dollars is planned
Mercitalia Logistics - Logtainer Agreement
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Port of Long Beach Sets New Container Traffic Record for April
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Hong Kong port handled 1.2 million containers (+6.0%)
RINA closes 2024 with revenues once again at a record level
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In the first quarter, turnover increased by +12% and new orders by +16%
The fourth edition of the national conference "Interporti al centro" will be held on May 23rd
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In the UK, express delivery company Evri and DHL's e-commerce division merge
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Another 20 tractors coming for Contship Group's Hannibal
The Spice
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In April, the port of Singapore handled over 3.6 million containers (+7.1%)
Singapore
In terms of weight, containerized traffic decreased by -2.5%
Assagenti suggests the priorities that will have to be addressed by the next president of the port of Genoa
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Danaos Corporation's Quarterly Revenues Steady
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Cargo traffic in Montenegro ports stable in first quarter
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Growth of +73.9% in volumes to and from Italy
Prysmian inaugurates the new cable-laying vessel Prysmian Monna Lisa
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Finnish plant producing high-voltage submarine cables expanded
SAILING LIST
Visual Sailing List
Departure ports
Arrival ports by:
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- country
- geographical areas
Second container terminal inaugurated at Cameroonian port of Kribi
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It has a quay of 715 linear meters and a seabed depth of -16 meters
Eurogate Intermodal has bought the Deisser trucking company
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The Stuttgart-based company specializes in the container segment
Discount announced on transit fee for large container ships in Suez Canal
Ismailia
15% reduction for ships of at least 130,000 SCNT tons
The Simplified Logistics Zone of the Port and hinterland of La Spezia is ready to be made operational
Genoa/La Spezia
Regional councilor Piana made this known
Port of Genoa, the TAR for Lazio has annulled the Ignazio Messina-Terminal San Giorgio merger
Rome
Grimaldi Euromed's appeal accepted
Fincantieri closes first quarter with record new orders
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Strong growth in revenue and EBITDA
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The laying of the first pillar of the logistics park under construction in Tortona was celebrated
Tortona
The project is scheduled for completion in May 2026.
Taiwan's Evergreen and Yang Ming saw revenue decline in April
Keelung/Taipei
Compatriot Wan Hai Lines' turnover grows
The Customs Free Zone enclosed in Genoa as an opportunity to mitigate the impact of duties
Genoa
Spediporto highlights it
In the first three months of 2025, RCL containerships transported 658,000 TEU (+8.9%)
Bangkok
Revenues up +37.6%
The preparation process for the Port Regulatory Plan of Ancona has begun
Ancona
Preliminary verification of the Strategic Environmental Assessment has begun
d'Amico International Shipping reports quarterly revenue and earnings decline
Luxembourg
Balestra di Mottola: We do not expect any impact on us from any port tariffs applied in the US for ships built in China
Towards the final approval of the nomination of Francesco Benevolo as president of the port of Ravenna
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The MIT has forwarded the proposal to the Transport Commission of the Chamber
The decline in vehicle volumes transported by the Wallenius Wilhelmsen fleet continues
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The first three months of 2025 were closed with revenues of 1.3 billion dollars (+3.4%)
Shipping agents, customs agents and freight forwarders of La Spezia applaud Pisano's appointment
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For the presidency of the AdSP - they rejoice - "one of us" has been chosen
MIT appoints Bruno Pisano as president of the AdSP of the Eastern Ligurian Sea
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DHL Buys IDS Fulfillment
Westerville/Indianapolis
Strengthening the e-commerce segment
V.Ships created V.Yachts to provide its services to large yachts
London
It will be based in Monaco
Mercitalia Rail transports scrap iron from Pomezia to steel mills in Northern Italy
Milan
Finnlines revenues increased by +2.3% in the first quarter
Helsinki
The volumes transported by the fleet are increasing, with the exception of cars
NYK to build third car terminal at Barcelona port
Barcelona
Work begins on the electrification of the MSC Crociere terminal
The Verdane investment fund sells Danelec to the GTT group
Paris
Danish company develops technologies for digitalization of maritime transport
Israeli forces attacked the port of Hodeyda
Jerusalem
IDF, measures taken to limit damage to ships
Vard signs new contract with Dong Fang Offshore for OSCV vessel
Trieste
It will be delivered in the first quarter of 2028
Collaboration protocol between the Federation of the Sea and WSense
Rome
Among the aims, to promote intelligent and sustainable management of marine resources
A conference on maritime engineering works and climate change in Rome on Wednesday
Rome
It will be held at the Auditorium Fondazione MAXXI
The 2024 general financial statement of the Eastern Adriatic Sea Port Authority has been approved
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Accelleron Industries Announces Further Investments in Italy
Baden
The aim is to strengthen technological leadership in fuel injection systems for the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
UAE's AD Ports continues to invest in Egypt
Cairo/Abu Dhabi
Usufruct contract to develop and manage a logistics and industrial park near the port of Port Said
The 2024 final budget of the Central Adriatic Sea Port System Authority has been approved
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Green light from the Management Committee
RFI, tender awarded for maintenance and telecommunications enhancement works
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Contract signed assigning CMA CGM the management of the container terminal at the port of Latakia
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Rizzo appointed extraordinary commissioner of the Strait Port System Authority
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PORTS
Italian Ports:
Ancona Genoa Ravenna
Augusta Gioia Tauro Salerno
Bari La Spezia Savona
Brindisi Leghorn Taranto
Cagliari Naples Trapani
Carrara Palermo Trieste
Civitavecchia Piombino Venice
Italian Interports: list World Ports: map
DATABASE
ShipownersShipbuilding and Shiprepairing Yards
ForwardersShip Suppliers
Shipping AgentsTruckers
MEETINGS
The fourth edition of the national conference "Interporti al centro" will be held on May 23rd
Rome
Organized by UIR, it is scheduled at the Interporto Rivers in Venice
A conference on maritime engineering works and climate change in Rome on Wednesday
Rome
It will be held at the Auditorium Fondazione MAXXI
››› Meetings File
PRESS REVIEW
US has its eye on Greek ports
(Kathimerini)
Proposed 30% increase for port tariffs to be in phases, says Loke
(Free Malaysia Today)
››› Press Review File
FORUM of Shipping
and Logistics
Relazione del presidente Nicola Zaccheo
Roma, 18 settembre 2024
››› File
In 2024, 94.4 million tonnes of goods were transported on the Austrian rail network (+2.2%)
Vienna
31.8% of the total volume was achieved on routes longer than 300 kilometres
In the first three months of 2025, freight traffic in Albanian ports decreased by -1.8%
Tirana
Passengers also decreasing (-1.6%)
The final budget and the annual report 2024 of the AdSP of Sardinia have been approved
Cagliari
Pilot project for the unified issuing of port access permits for haulers
Interporto Padova's 2024 financial statements unanimously approved
Padua
Revenues up +7.3%
Redevelopment works underway at the agri-food hub of the port of Livorno
Leghorn
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Messina
It can carry up to 22 trucks or 125 cars and 393 people
Approved the financial statement for the financial year 2024 of the AdSP of the Ionian Sea
Taranto
424.8 million port works completed in the last decade
Kalmar reports lower quarterly revenue, higher new orders
Helsinki
In the first three months of 2025, net profit was 34.1 million euros (+2%)
Antonio Ranieri is the new maritime director of Liguria
Genoa
He takes over from Admiral Piero Pellizzari who was discharged from the service upon reaching the age limit
In the first quarter of 2025, China's CIMC recorded a 12.7% increase in container sales
Hong Kong
Revenues grew by +11.0%
Last year, the revenues of the Chinese group CMPort increased by +3.1%
Hong Kong
In the first three months of 2025, port terminals handled 36.4 million containers (+5.6%)
The financial statements of the AdSP of Western Liguria and the Central-Northern Tyrrhenian Sea have been approved
Genoa/Civitavecchia
Konecranes revenues increased by +7.7% in the first three months of 2025
Helsinki
343 million euros of new orders for port vehicles (+37.5%)
Kuehne+Nagel posts first quarter of growth
Schindellegi
The logistics group's net sales amounted to 6.33 billion Swiss francs (+14.9%)
Application by TDT (Grimaldi group) for the construction and management of 50% of the Terminal Darsena Europa in Livorno
Leghorn
The company has requested an extension of the duration of the current concession
In 2024, 58 million invested in the modernization of the ports of Livorno, Piombino and the island of Elba
Leghorn
The final budget and the annual report of the AdSP have been approved
EIB advice to strengthen climate resilience of the ports of Volos, Alexandroupolis and Patras
Luxembourg
It will assist port authorities in identifying and managing climate risks
In the first quarter the port of Valencia handled 1.3 million containers (+3.4%)
Valencia
Transhipment traffic decline
The Management Committee of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority has unanimously approved the 2024 financial statement
Naples
SOS LOGistica will acquire the qualification of Third Sector Entity
Milan
The association currently has 74 members
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