Alfa Laval advances ammonia fuel technologies

Thanks to its low flash point, high toxicity and low energy value, ammonia as marine fuel poses a range of challenges, necessitating tailored solutions for tank containment, boil-off management and purge/vent control.

“Many shipowners are exploring the use of ammonia as fuel, and Alfa Laval is ready to be a key enabler of this transition— with innovative solutions, technological capabilities and experience in handling a wide range of fuels,” said Sameer Kalra, president Marine Division, Alfa Laval.

“By investing our resources in research, development and innovation, we are steadily advancing in our ambition to enable a future powered by alternative fuels.”

Alfa Laval is developing a 2-in-1 steam boiler system to address the challenges of using ammonia as a marine fuel. The Alfa Laval Aalborg ammonia dual-fuel boiler system will serve two purposes: meeting the ship’s heat demand through steam generation and safely handling ammonia boil-off and vapor removal.

The Alfa Laval FCM Ammonia system is designed to securely feed ammonia to marine engines. It integrates a fuel supply system, fuel valve train, and vent treatment system, all regulated by an automated control system. The FCM Ammonia is ready for purchase, with marine delivery expected by 2025, aligned with the arrival of ammonia dual-fuel engines.

Alfa Laval’s heat transfer portfolio, including semi-welded plate heat exchangers and printed circuit heat exchangers, supports ammonia fuel gas supply systems. Additionally, Alfa Laval’s Scanjet SURVEYOR system provides advanced tank management for ammonia carriers.

In 2022, Alfa Laval got approval for testing ammonia at the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre in Aalborg. Notably, it is working with WinGD, ABS, and K Shipbuilding on an ammonia-fuelled MR tanker design and is an active partner of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.