Amogy sails clean ammonia-run boat in US

: Fertilizers
24/09/26

US-based fuel cell developer Amogy has successfully sailed a carbon-free, clean ammonia-powered tugboat on an inland waterway in upstate New York, Hudson River on 23 September, the firm said.

Amogy retrofitted a diesel generator and electric motor tugboat from 1957 with its clean power generation technology. The NH3 Kraken vessel had been designed to accommodate a 1MW ammonia-to-power system, but further testing will be required to determine the exact power output. Norwegian fertiliser producer Yara supplied the green ammonia feedstock for the demonstration.

Amogy's ammonia-to-electrical power technology involves feeding liquefied ammonia through a modular cracking unit that converts the ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen is then funnelled into a fuel cell to generate electricity, with zero carbon emissions. This technology offers a sustainable and clean energy situation for hard-to-abate sectors like maritime shipping and stationary power generation applications. The modular technology is also scalable and can be ramped up according to vessel size or customised to fit specific power requirements. Safety measures, including sensors that are approved by various classification systems, will be included, along with proper training on usage.

The demonstration with the NH3 Kraken tugboat is the largest application of Amogy's technology to date, from previous successful demonstrations of an aerial drone, commercial farm tractor, and semi-truck. Amogy is seeking to apply knowledge from this demonstration to other applications including retrofit projects and newbuilds.

"By demonstrating our technology on the water for the first time, we've gained invaluable knowledge that will help us move quickly to commercialisation and real-world applications", said CEO and co-founder of Amogy, Seonghoon Woo.

Amogy aims to fully implement its maritime technology on small to medium-sized vessels eventually, Argus understands. It is also exploring the possibility of using its ammonia-to-electricity system as a cleaner alternative to existing auxiliary engines in large vessels. This would help power a ship's systems and equipment with cleaner energy, alongside its main engine.

By Dinise Chng

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Spain eyes renewed Algerian urea trade

24/11/08

Spain eyes renewed Algerian urea trade

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Nutrien lowers 2024 nitrogen sales guidance

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Nutrien lowers 2024 nitrogen sales guidance

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Port of Vancouver grinds to halt as picket lines form

24/11/05

Port of Vancouver grinds to halt as picket lines form

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