(Commonwealth_ On a tributary of the Hudson River, a tugboat powered by ammonia recently embarked on its maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s quest to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Historically fuelled by diesel, the 67-year-old vessel was converted to run on ammonia, a new carbon-free fuel, thanks to the efforts of New York-based startup Amogy. This journey represents a critical step forward in the development of zero-emissions propulsion technologies for the shipping sector. Shipping, which accounts for about 3% of global emissions according to the United Nations, has seen its carbon output rise over the past decade. Larger vessels and increased cargo delivery demands have driven the industry to burn immense amounts of fuel oil. Recognizing the urgency to decarbonize, Amogy, led by CEO Seonghoon Woo, is leading the charge with ammonia-powered ships as a potential solution.
The Founding of Amogy: Solving a Global Problem
Woo and three of his friends, who met while studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), shared a vision that led to the creation of Amogy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they began brainstorming ways to decarbonize heavy industries. In November 2020, they launched Amogy, blending “ammonia” and “energy” to create the company name. Their objective was simple: to help solve one of the world’s most pressing problems—emissions from shipping.
The team acquired the tugboat from Feeney Shipyard in Kingston, New York. Climate change has led to fewer icy winters in recent years, which has left the vessel idle. The project exemplifies the seriousness of climate change and how once-reliable resources, like ice-breaking ships, are becoming less necessary due to the warming climate.
A Series of Successful Demonstrations
Over time, Amogy has demonstrated the versatility of its ammonia technology. In 2021, it used ammonia to power a drone, followed by a tractor in 2022, and a semi-truck in 2023. Now, with the successful voyage of the ammonia-powered tugboat, the company has proven that its technology is viable for a range of applications, from small vessels to large container ships. The technology could also be adapted for land-based industries such as mining, construction, and data centers that currently rely on diesel generators. The 2,000-gallon ammonia tank aboard the tugboat is capable of powering it for a 10- to 12-hour day at sea, making it suitable for extended operations.
Growing Interest and Investment
Amogy’s achievements have attracted significant investment, with the company raising approximately $220 million. Amazon, one of its major backers, is particularly interested in ammonia-powered shipping as part of its broader commitment to reducing emissions across its vast supply chain. Nick Ellis, a principal at Amazon’s $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund, praised Amogy’s work, noting that the technology offers a commercially viable solution for decarbonizing shipping.
Other companies are also looking into using ammonia as a marine fuel. In Singapore, Fortescue’s Green Pioneer vessel recently demonstrated the use of ammonia mixed with diesel. In Japan, the NYK Group converted the tugboat Sakigake to run on ammonia instead of liquefied natural gas. Amogy’s collaboration with major shipbuilders like South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai, and Samsung Heavy Industries signals the growing momentum behind ammonia as a primary fuel for future shipping.
The Future of Zero-Emission Shipping
Ammonia-powered vessels like Amogy’s tugboat represent a promising future for maritime decarbonization. As more companies and industries embrace green ammonia and other renewable fuels, the shipping industry may finally make meaningful progress in reducing its carbon footprint. With pioneers like Amogy leading the way, the dream of zero-emissions shipping may soon become a reality.
