Chevron enters ammonia waterborne-transportation joint study

Chevron Corp. subsidiary Chevron Shipping Co. LLC has entered a joint study agreement with the Angelicoussis Group, through its energy transition division, Green Ships, to explore how tankers can be used to transport ammonia, a potential lower-carbon marine fuel. The initial study will evaluate the ammonia transportation market, existing infrastructure, the safety aspects of ammonia, potential next-generation vessel requirements and a preliminary system to transport ammonia between the US Gulf Coast and Europe. Future work will focus on additional global markets.

Ammonia is a carrier of hydrogen and is believed to have potential to lower the carbon intensity of the marine industry. The companies said that they intend to advance ammonia’s technical and commercial feasibility at scale, particularly as an export for petrochemicals, power, and mobility markets.

“Global value-chain solutions are critical for growing the hydrogen market, and we believe shipping will play a crucial role. Chevron is leveraging its international functional marine expertise and collaborating with the Angelicoussis Group to pursue the delivery of lower carbon proof points to the market,” said Austin Knight, vice-president, hydrogen, Chevron New Energies.

“Ammonia has potential as a hydrogen vector and is considered one of the alternative fuel options to decarbonize shipping,” added Stelios Troulis, Green Ships and energy transition director for the Angelicoussis Group. “We believe this study will contribute towards identifying the technical, operational, and commercial challenges of carrying ammonia at scale and using it as a fuel in a safe and sustainable way.”  

Chevron last year formed a consortium with Air Liquide SA, LyondellBasell Industries NV, and Uniper SE to evaluate development of hydrogen and ammonia production infrastructure along the US Gulf Coast (OGJ Online, Oct. 19, 2022).