Alfa Laval to Supply First Systems for Ammonia-Fueled Marine Vessels by End of 2025

Leveraging its extensive expertise with fuels such as LNG, LPG and methanol, Alfa Laval is accelerating the development of new technologies for ammonia.

Alfa Laval is working hard on the task of decarbonizing the marine industry to meet net-zero targets. The marine sector, which accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon emissions, has seen the emergence of a new fuel landscape, with ammonia destined to become one of the future low-carbon fuels of choice. As a front-runner in enabling ammonia, Alfa Laval announces it will be ready to supply its first fuel systems for ammonia-fueled vessels by the end of 2025.

Leveraging its expertise with fuels such as LNG, LPG and methanol, Alfa Laval is accelerating the development of new technologies for ammonia to ensure its safe and efficient use as a future fuel, through partnerships and joint development projects.

Ammonia-fueled vessels – a reality in 2025

In partnership with Swiss engine designer, WinGD, Alfa Laval has delivered two test systems for WinGD’s ammonia-fueled engines, including a fuel valve train and a vent treatment system. The Alfa Laval FCM Ammonia fuel supply system design will be validated by the end of 2024, with the first marine delivery expected by the end of 2025.

"The Alfa Laval FCM Ammonia is another addition to our toolbox of solutions that accelerate the decarbonization of shipping,” says Sameer Kalra, president of the marine division of Alfa Laval. “This delivery to WinGD highlights our technology readiness to handle ammonia as a fuel, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s transition to sustainable energy sources."

Exploring the potential of ammonia

Following a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Alfa Laval, WinGD, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and K Shipbuilding (KSB) are collaborating to drive the necessary technological advancements in an ammonia-fueled MR tanker design. Recently, the scope expanded to include designing an ammonia dual-fuel boiler system. This boiler system will efficiently handle purge/boil-off gas and meet the vessel’s heat demands, thereby minimizing the vessel’s energy consumption, while ensuring safe operations.

As a zero-carbon fuel, ammonia is anticipated to become an important component in the marine industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon emissions, holding significant promise to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 strategy.

"By investing our resources in research, development and innovation, we are steadily advancing in our ambition to enable a future powered by alternative fuels," says Kalra. "Many shipowners are exploring the use of ammonia as fuel, and Alfa Laval is ready to be a key enabler of this transition— with innovative solutions, technological capabilities and experience in handling a wide range of fuels."