G2 Ocean to participate in ammonia-fuelled transatlantic voyage study
G2 Ocean, Grieg Maritime Group, Suzano and nine other industry partners are joining efforts to study whether green ammonia can power vessels on transatlantic voyages.
G2 Ocean, Grieg Maritime Group, Suzano and nine other industry partners are collaborating on a study project to examine whether it is possible to fuel open-hatch carriers with green ammonia on transatlantic voyages.
The project was initiated in January 2022 and is currently in its planning stages.
“Ammonia has a key role to play in enabling industries to decarbonise. We are proud to be part of this exciting project with Grieg and Suzano, among others, as we explore ways to accelerate the decarbonisation of shipping and create meaningful change,” says CEO Arthur English.
The study will analyze the technical, operational, and commercial risks and benefits of dedicating a vessel to green ammonia fuel.
The trade route used for the study has been pre-determined:
- The first leg is the approximately 4,700 nautical miles from Antwerp and Rotterdam in northern Europe to Houston and Mobile in the US Gulf.
- The second 4,810 nautical mile leg is from the US Gulf to ports in southeast Brazil.
- The longest leg of all — and potentially the most challenging — is the 4,915 nautical mile voyage from Brazil back to northern Europe. This leg would require storage capacity for up to 1,704 cubic meters of ammonia, based on an average speed of 15 knots.
“Our ambition is to find viable solutions to decarbonise our current fleet, and we hope this project will bring us one step closer to a greener future. Still, this project is in its early stages, and a lot of work must be done before any decisions are made,” English says.
Involved in the project is also the Brazilian pulp and paper manufacturer, Suzano, one of G2 Ocean’s customers.
“We brought in Suzano, not only because they are a key customer of G2 Ocean, but they also share our commitment to play an active role in society’s decarbonization. We look forward to working closely with them on this important initiative,” English adds.
According to Atle Sommer, Head of Ship Management at Grieg Star, the project’s findings will be published in a report that will be publicly accessible.
“We’re not here to win the race, we want to be part of the solution. We don’t want to sit around and wait till somebody else comes serving the solution. I think it’s key to be part of developing the solutions,” Sommer says to TradeWinds.
As part of the study, the project group will look into various financial support options and the availability, supply, and costs of ammonia for use as a marine fuel.