The first ammonia-powered ship was launched. Not so eco-friendly at all

Will ammonia be an important element of the “green revolution” among vessels? Perhaps, although it doesn't seem like it yet. The first ammonia-powered ship has just been launched, but it is far from perfect.

Green Pioneer has just set off on its first journey

In 2021, the Australian company Fortescue announced that by the end of 2022 their the first ship powered by ammonia. Although there was a two-year delay, their Green Pioneer was finally launched. However, it is not as ecological as it may seem.

The floating unit is powered by four engines, of which only two operate on liquid ammonia. The inquisitive will ask: “what about the other two?” And rightly so, because the Green Pioneer is not that green at all, because the other two engines work thanks to a mixture of paraffinic hydrocarbonsnaphthenic and aromatic compounds, which are obtained from crude oil through distillation, i.e we are talking about diesel fuel.

It is worth remembering that this is not the first cruise of this ship. Already in December 2023, it went to the COP28 climate convention, but then it arrived there with only diesel engines. Ammonia is considered an ecological chemical compound and may be an important link in the fuel transformation in the future.

However, it cannot be denied that it is also dangerous, especially in such large quantities. The first refueling included three tons of liquid ammonia. Poured on human skin, it causes severe frostbite. Moreover, it is highly toxic and irritates mucous membranes and skin.