China uses green ammonia to fuel seafaring vessel for first time

A Chinese seafaring vessel completed the world's first pure ammonia fuel bunkering operation on Friday.

The bunkering was done at a terminal of China COSCO Shipping Corp., Ltd., in Dalian City of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The ammonia-fueled vessel, used for port operation, is equipped with two full-pressure ammonia fuel tanks on either side of the main deck, ensuring stable power support for its main engine.

The ship boasts a maximum ammonia energy replacement ratio of 91 percent, significantly reducing its reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

The pure ammonia utilized in this operation comes from the world's largest green hydrogen and ammonia project, with a capacity of 1.52 million tonnes, in Chifeng City of north China's Inner Mongolia Region. The project employs an AI-driven new power system technology to achieve a 100 percent green electricity direct connection.

Ammonia, a major chemical industry feedstock, has high energy density and, due to its carbon-free nature, produces only water and nitrogen when fully combusted. This makes it a highly promising fuel for decarbonizing shipping.