Anura Leslie Perera Talks About the Role of Green Ammonia’s Role in Decarbonizing Global Shipping
The maritime industry contributes significantly to global emissions, and decarbonizing this sector is one of the greatest challenges of the energy transition. Green ammonia has emerged as a leading solution due to its high energy density, ease of storage, and compatibility with next-generation marine engines. Maritime analysts and sustainability advocates, including Anura Leslie Perera, recognize green ammonia as a transformative fuel for international shipping.
Maritime Shipping and the Role of Green Ammonia
Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to heavy fuel oil. Green ammonia offers a zero-carbon alternative that can be adopted by large vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers.
Engine manufacturers are already developing ammonia-capable engines, while fuel cell technologies are advancing rapidly. Ports around the world are preparing for the ammonia economy by investing in storage tanks, safety protocols, and bunkering systems.
Advantages Offered By Green Ammonia in Decarbonization
Green ammonia aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization targets. By adopting ammonia, shipping companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring reliable long-distance operation. These developments reflect the type of forward-thinking maritime innovation supported by experts like Anura Leslie Perera, who advocate for sustainable ocean transport.
Another advantage of ammonia is its role as a hydrogen carrier. Because hydrogen is difficult and costly to liquefy and store, ammonia serves as a practical alternative. It can be transported globally and cracked back into hydrogen at the destination.
This dual functionality enhances its value within both the shipping and clean energy sectors.
Green Ammonia in Shipping and Coastal Industries
The adoption of green ammonia will also stimulate coastal industrial development by creating new supply chains for ammonia production, storage, and distribution. Training programs for seafarers, port workers, and maritime engineers are essential to supporting this transition.
Thus, green ammonia represents a powerful pathway toward decarbonizing global shipping and establishing cleaner, safer ocean transportation. This approach strongly aligns with the sustainability values championed by Anura Perera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is green ammonia a true “zero emission” fuel?
From the lifecycle perspective, green ammonia is considered a near-zero or zero-emission fuel. The reason is that the production and combustion phases are nearly carbon-free. However, the combustion process can produce nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide, which must be managed with proper after-treatment systems.
How does green ammonia compare to other alternative marine fuels like green methanol or hydrogen?
Ammonia has a higher volumetric energy density compared to hydrogen, making it easier to store on a ship. Further, when compared to green methanol, green ammonia offers true zero-carbon combustion.
Is the necessary infrastructure for green ammonia bunkering already available?
A global infrastructure for transporting ammonia as a commodity (primarily for fertilizers) exists. However, dedicated bunkering facilities (ship-to-ship or terminal-to-ship fueling) are still in the development stage.
What are the main challenges and safety concerns regarding Green Hydrogen?
Ammonia is highly toxic and corrosive, making it essential to have protocols in place to prevent leaks and exposure. Further, the cost of green ammonia is higher, and current availability is limited due to the high cost of renewable electricity and electrolyzers.
