Ammonia for Combustion Engines

Recently, Helsinki based technology group Wärtsilä has commenced combustion trials using ammonia on both dual-fuel and spark-ignited gas engines with promising results. 

As part of the tests, ammonia was injected into a combustion research unit to better understand its properties. The tests will be followed by field tests in collaboration with shipowners from 2022 and potentially also with energy customers in the future.

Ammonia is a promising, carbon-free fuel for meeting the IMO’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50 percent by 2050. Although ammonia is derived mainly from fossil sources today, in the future ammonia’s greenhouse gas footprint can be nearly eliminated if it is produced using electricity from renewable sources.

Ammonia has a number of properties that require further investigation. It ignites and burns poorly compared to other fuels and is toxic and corrosive, making safe handling and storage important. Burning ammonia could also lead to higher NOx emissions unless controlled either by after-treatment or by optimizing the combustion process. A regulatory framework and class rules will need to be developed for its use as a marine fuel.

The company is looking to produce a complete ammonia fuel solution comprising of engines, fuel supply and storage. The storage and supply system will be developed for a Viking Energy vessel by 2023. 

R. M. Technologies is acknowledged for quality products and service. Our extensive engineering expertise with ammonia, combined with our product knowledge and highly trained personnel, provides you with the convenience of dealing with one company for all your ammonia project requirements.​ Contact us at (800) 775-4280 or sales@rmtech.net for additional information and/or assistance