The world’s first ammonia-powered maritime vessel successfully finished its maiden voyage, after moving through a tributary of the Hudson River upstream from New York City.
The NH3 Kraken — originally a tugboat constructed in 1957 — was retrofitted by Brooklyn-based clean energy company Amogy with an ammonia-electrical power system. The ship uses what’s known as “green ammonia” as its fuel source, which is commonly found in fertilizers and is manufactured using renewable energy. The system splits that liquid ammonia into its base elements, hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen then powers the ship after it’s funneled into a zero emission fuel cell.
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“By demonstrating our technology on the water for the first time, we’ve gained invaluable knowledge that will help us move quickly to commercialization and real-world applications,” Amogy CEO and co-founder Seonghoon Woo said. “The opportunity to decarbonize the maritime industry is within reach, and for Amogy, it’s just the beginning.”
Although Amogy has previously tested its ammonia-powered system on an aerial drone, a commercial farm tractor, and a semi-truck, the company said that the NH3 Kraken represents the “largest and most significant” application of its technology to date. Longer term, Amogy is looking for ways to move the shipping industry closer to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) net zero emissions goals. The IMO is currently aiming to cut maritime greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030, with the European Union targeting a 55% reduction across shipping, aviation and energy sectors by that same year. Starting in 2025, the EU will also start requiring shipping companies to surrender a portion of their carbon credits that allow them to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide.
