Chinese researchers weigh ammonia fuel for PLAN vessels
In China, researchers at the National Defense University of Science and Technology have concluded that ammonia fuel could give the People’s Liberation Army Navy greater operational flexibility and battlefield survivability by eliminating dependence on imported oil and reducing ship visibility to infrared detection systems, according to an analysis published in state-affiliated Guangming Daily.
The paper argues that ammonia, synthesized domestically from renewable energy, would remove reliance on chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca that could be blocked in wartime, and that it can be blended directly with existing marine diesel engines at low conversion cost.
The authors acknowledge significant obstacles, however, warning that a hull penetration releasing fuel in combat would be “tantamount to a ship being attacked by a secondary chemical weapon.” Additionally the report states ammonia’s volumetric energy density is roughly half that of marine diesel, cutting range, and fuel cell technology for submarine applications remains immature. The authors recommend piloting ammonia systems on stealth and auxiliary vessels before expanding to frontline warships.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
