In the latest episode of Project Features, Foshan Xianhu Laboratory and Monalisa Group explored a recent demonstration of ammonia combustion for industrial fabrication of ceramic tiles in China. Retrofits of the gas-powered production lines, safe, low-emission ammonia combustion, a multi-level DeNOX approach, target markets, and future ammonia fuel demand potential in China were discussed.
The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency has set out timelines and processes for operators of ammonia-fueled vessels to engage with authorities in preparation for operations in UK waters. Ammonia fuel is included in the Department of Transport’s first-ever Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, with as much as 70% of the forecast fuel mix being ammonia by 2050.
The regulations send a clear signal to industry – business as usual operations will become significantly more expensive, and zero or near-zero (ZNZ) technologies and fuels represent one of the better opportunities to make deep emissions cuts. Following the historic vote at the IMO, we explore critical timelines for the new regulations, compliance thresholds, mechanisms for vessels to comply, and uncertainties that remain.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is in the process of finalising new guidelines for the safe importation of hydrogen and ammonia into Japan. The guidelines will identify key legislative considerations, outline key design and process considerations, and act as a useful starting point for relevant stakeholders to plan for new energy imports.
2025 is a critical year for the adoption of ammonia fuel in shipping. Here, we preview important upcoming meetings of the International Maritime Organization, what regulatory gaps are being filled by this work, potential candidates for decarbonization measures, and progress in engine development. All this sets the scene for incredible progress to be made in the coming years.
The Moroccan government has extended land allocation offers and streamlined approvals processes to the developers of four new ammonia projects in the country’s south.
In 2025, the pieces are rapidly assembling to enable and accelerate imports of ammonia energy to Japan. This year, government agency METI is due to announce two lots of key funding, including contracts for difference subsidies and development of import infrastructure. Power generation technologies will be commercialised within the next few years, and more maritime players are joining the push to deploy ammonia fuel in Japanese ships.
Korea Southern Power will co-fire ammonia at Unit 1 of the KOSPO-owned Samcheok Bitdream Headquarters power plant, likely sourcing the ammonia fuel from Pilot Energy’s Mid West Clean Energy Project in Australia.
UAE-Moroccan developer Dahamco is planning a $25 billion, multi-million ton per year renewable ammonia project at the Port of Dhakla on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The first phase will feature an investment of $4 billion and produce nearly one million tons of ammonia per year.
In our November episode of Project Features, we explored the MadoquaPower2X renewable ammonia project in Sines, southern Portugal. 300,000 tons per year of RFNBO-compliant ammonia will be produced for export to Rotterdam and Duisburg from 2028, focused on marine fuel and fertilizer markets in Europe.