Focus Area: Maritime Green Technologies
Overview
As part of efforts to decarbonize, ammonia has been identified as one of the top three potential fuels for 2050. Singapore is embarking on a project to develop an ammonia supply chain, including ammonia bunkering. However, there is a risk of ammonia leakage during bunkering or fuel consumption, and its toxicity and lethal effects are significant barriers to adoption. How can we enable early detection and effective management of ammonia leaks?
Importance
- Prolonged exposure to ammonia can cause severe health issues or death.
- In 2021, an ammonia leak on an LPG tanker resulted in one seafarer's death and left three others in critical condition.
- Ammonia bunkering in Singapore occurs near densely populated areas, posing a safety risk to residents if leaks occur.
- Effective containment of ammonia spills and fumes during bunkering is crucial.
- Ammonia combustion generates N2O gas, and unburnt ammonia may be released through exhaust systems.
Market Potential
- The global green ammonia market was valued at USD 151.57 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 116.5% from 2023 to 2030.
Current Efforts
- Start-up “Measure.AI” has partially addressed this issue in SPC2023.
- Water curtains are currently used to manage ammonia dispersion but are limited in effectiveness.
Solution Criteria
- Must be cost-effective and suitable for maritime environments.
- Should detect ammonia concentrations as low as 20 ppm.
- Needs to provide real-time alerts, especially for sudden leaks.
Potential Solutions
- Development of comprehensive sensing systems onboard for detection and monitoring.
- Advanced technologies to mitigate ammonia and N2O gas dispersion from engines.
- Vapor return systems for bunkering to treat ammonia fumes.
- Robotics for ship operations, particularly in enclosed spaces like engine rooms and pump rooms.
- Metaverse-based training for crew on precautionary measures.
- Improved ship designs to reduce ammonia leakage.
- Video analytics to detect ammonia leaks.
- Chemicals or absorbents to effectively neutralize liquid and gaseous ammonia.
These measures will enhance the safety and environmental sustainability of the maritime industry, facilitating broader adoption of ammonia as a clean fuel.