Evaluating Ammonia as a Marine Fuel: Review and Illustration
Environmental Modeling and Assessment, vol.30, no.4, pp.779-803, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 30 Issue: 4
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s10666-025-10026-0
- Journal Name: Environmental Modeling and Assessment
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, Greenfile, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
- Page Numbers: pp.779-803
- Keywords: Ammonia (NH3), Alternative marine fuel, PESTLE analysis, TOPSIS, Multi-criteria decision-making
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This paper aims to provide academia and industry stakeholders with a comprehensive evaluation of ammonia as a marine fuel, from the perspective of ship operators and the maritime sector. Political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental (PESTLE) analysis has been performed to achieve this motivation. The factors and sub-factors of PESTLE analysis have been discussed, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) has ranked their importance. The weights used in the TOPSIS method have been obtained from surveys conducted with 16 maritime experts with an average of 11.63 years of experience. Results demonstrated that the ammonia slip and increased NOx emissions have been detected as the most substantial aspect with the relative closeness coefficient at 0.784. The economic feasibility of ammonia systems has been considered more significant than their carbon-free nature, although the latter still held an important position in the overall assessment. Commercial readiness, agricultural impacts, and onboard storage requirements have been identified as surmountable challenges. Additionally, the ability to retrofit existing systems has been recognised as a significant technological advantage. Maritime safety culture has been emphasised as a means to effectively manage the toxicity and storage requirements of ammonia by implementing stringent safety measures in compliance with international regulations.