NH3CRAFT

Waterborne transport currently accounts for a quarter of the European Union’s (EU) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and this figure continues to rise as demand grows. European Green Deal Strategy seeks for a 90% reduction in emissions by 2050 through the introduction of more sustainable, affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives.

Analyzing the air emissions caused at a mode level, waterborne transport occupies by far the largest part of cargo transport, and accounts for 13% of GHG emissions in the EU. Despite a number of measures being in place since the early years of the last decade, greenhouse gas emissions of shipping increased from 977 million tons (Mt) in 2012 to 1,076 Mt in 2018, a 9.6% rise, according to the 4th IMO GHG study. According to the same source, in global anthropogenic emissions, the share of shipping has increased from 2.76% in 2012 to 2.89% in 2018.

A more drastic course of action will need to be deployed so as emissions from waterborne transport start to decline. Today it is evident, that the blend of marine fuels will require a substantial zero carbon component in order to efficiently tackle the stricter regulatory framework and to achieve the global environmental goals. Such a component is not easy to be developed and be implemented in practice especially if the flow of goods, the efficiency of transport and the quality of service provided are not to be disrupted. Substantial investment will be required as zero carbon fuels require the development of new solutions involving the adoption of new technologies, logistics and operations. Such a fuel is ammonia (ΝΗ3), while it is carbon free, it presents specific challenges in its use. Storage is a major issue as it requires in liquid form almost three times the space of fuel oil for an equivalent use (in terms of work produced).

NH3CRAFT will help Europe achieve two parallel societal objectives: serving the society’s needs and maintaining global maritime leadership.
Both hydrogen and ammonia offer decarbonized operation of shipping when being used as engine fuel. Hydrogen storage as liquid on-board ship requires high pressure and extremely low temperature (approx. -260°C at atmospheric pressure).