The 'What' and 'Why' Behind the World's First Carbon-Free Vessel Setting Sail
In a crucial leap for green revolution and decarbonization, the world's first carbon-free vessel recently completed its maiden voyage.
Aiming to create a sustainable future and transforming all voyages into net-zero emission journeys, the US-based clean energy provider Amogy released a video of this landmark voyage.
As promised, the 'what' — the historic NH3 Kraken
Creating ripples, the carbon-free, ammonia-powered NH3 Kraken marked its debut voyage along a New York inland waterway on September 23 and became the first-ever vessel of its kind to do so. But this tug's history is also a rich one.
Screengrab from YT video by Amogy
Built initially decades ago in 1957, the tugboat was originally fueled by electric motors and diesel generators. Utilized for towing, docking, barging, salvaging and even useful in rescue missions, this indelible tugboat changed names and functions in the passing years. NH3 Kraken has now been resurrected in 2024, revamped in an ultra-modern, cutting-edge avatar.
"The NH3 Kraken, which had operated under several other names since its initial launch in 1957, was christened with time-honored ritual meant to assure its safe passage and good fortune. The NH3 Kraken was named for Amogy’s innovative ammonia “cracking” technology," Amogy announced.
The boat has been designed with Amogy’s ammonia-to-electrical power system, utilizing testing bunkering systems, thus, becoming a powerful, carbon-free vessel.
Why is this important, you ask?
Screengrab from YT video by Amogy
Besides taking quite a few steps towards the decarbonization of the maritime industry and getting closer to meeting IMO's target of net-zero emissions by 2050, the success of the voyage confirmed faith in the potential that ammonia has as a clean maritime fuel.
Also sometimes referred to as a magic fuel, Ammonia has the capability of reducing shipping's environmental impact. Easily obtainable and widely traded, ammonia is low in sulfur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, in turn, improving the air quality.
