DNV has released a new whitepaper exploring how ammonia is emerging as a potential zero-carbon fuel for the future of shipping, identifying challenges and barriers to its introduction in the industry.
According to DNV’s whitepaper “Ammonia in shipping: Tracing the emergence of a new fuel”, ammonia has been identified as a future fuel to decarbonize shipping, with interest in the fuel increasing significantly in recent years, following the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) approval of the Net-Zero Framework in April 2025. However, its use also presents new safety challenges and barriers compared to conventional fuels.
Key barriers to ammonia in 2025 compared to 2020
Technical maturity
This barrier refers to the technical maturity level for engine technologies and systems. Significant progress has been made regarding the technical maturity of engine technology and systems for both 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines.5 As of August 2025, 39 ammonia-capable newbuilds were on order. As expected, there are first movers in the ammonia carrier segment, with 21 ammonia carriers capable of using their cargo as fuel in the order book. The bulk carrier segment is the second largest with 12 vessels.
Volumetric energy density
From a volumetric energy density perspective, ammonia will require 2.9 times more space than MGO to store the same amount of energy. Additionally, the fuel containment systems are less space-efficient than integral tanks for oil, also considering the possible need for cofferdams, tank holds, and connection spaces. Also, the usable tank volume for gases is smaller than for liquids due to filling-limit constraints and tank heel.
Source Safety4sea
