In a significant stride towards safer ammonia-fueled maritime transport, a recent study published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, known in Korean as 해양과학공학, has shed light on the critical safety aspects of ammonia dispersion and explosion characteristics in confined spaces of marine fuel preparation rooms. Led by Phan Anh Duong from the Maritime Industry Research Institute at the National Korea Maritime and Ocean University, the research underscores the urgent need for robust risk assessment and safety management strategies as the maritime industry increasingly turns to ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel alternative.
Ammonia’s appeal lies in its high hydrogen density, low storage pressure, and long-term stability, making it a promising candidate for sustainable maritime energy systems. However, its toxic, flammable, and corrosive properties present substantial safety challenges. The study, conducted using FLACS-CFD V22.2, a specialized computational fluid dynamics tool, simulated potential ammonia leakage scenarios within confined compartments of marine vessels. The model provided detailed insights into gas concentration evolution, toxic exposure zones, and overpressure development under various leakage conditions.
One of the key findings highlighted by Duong was the prolonged ammonia exposure driven by three main factors: leakage occurring opposite the main ventilation flow, equipment layout obstructing airflow and causing gas accumulation, and delayed sensor response due to recirculating flow patterns. “Prolonged ammonia exposure is driven by three key factors: leakage occurring opposite the main ventilation flow, equipment layout obstructing airflow and causing gas accumulation, and delayed sensor response due to recirculating flow patterns,” Duong explained.
The simulations revealed that within a mere 1.675 seconds of ammonia leakage and ignition, critical impact zones capable of causing fatal injuries or severe structural damage were largely contained within a 10-meter radius of the explosion source. However, lower overpressure zones extended much further, with slight damage reaching up to 14.51 meters and minor injury risks encompassing the entire fuel preparation room. This highlights a wider threat to crew safety beyond the immediate blast zone.
From a commercial perspective, the study’s findings are crucial for emergency planning, ventilation design, and structural safety reinforcement in ammonia-fueled ship systems. As the maritime industry moves towards decarbonization, the adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel is expected to grow. However, this transition necessitates rigorous safety measures to mitigate risks associated with its handling and storage.
The research provides valuable insights for ship designers, operators, and safety regulators, emphasizing the importance of targeted emergency planning and structural reinforcement. By addressing these safety challenges proactively, the maritime industry can harness the benefits of ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel while ensuring the safety of crew and vessels.
As the industry continues to explore alternative fuels, studies like this one by Duong and his team at the Maritime Industry Research Institute are instrumental in paving the way for safer and more sustainable maritime operations. The findings not only highlight the potential risks but also offer practical solutions to mitigate them, ensuring a smoother transition to a greener future for maritime transport.