Amogy's ammonia cracking technology gets ABS nod

US-based ammonia tech company Amogy has received a certification from ABS for its ammonia-to-power technology, which converts liquid ammonia into hydrogen gas to power fuel cells in vessels.

PHOTO: A model of Amogy's previously proposed ammonia-powered vessel. Amogy

The certification granted by classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) verifies the successful integration of the new technology in the maritime sector.

Amogy’s technology transforms liquid ammonia into electrical power by “cracking” liquid ammonia into its base elements – hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen is then funnelled into a fuel cell for generating electricity onboard a vessel.

The technology uses unique catalysts to crack ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. According to the Ammonia Energy Association, ammonia cracking is typically done at temperatures of 850-950°C using a nickel catalyst.

“ABS assessed the integrated reactor system transforming ammonia into hydrogen resulting in pure hydrogen gas that can be utilized for fuel cells,” the classification society said.

In April, Amogy agreed to develop its ammonia cracking technology for vessels chartered by Japanese trading company ITOCHU.

By Aparupa Mazumder 

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