Alfa Laval secures groundbreaking order for first marine boiler system for ammonia waste incineration

Alfa Laval has marked a significant milestone in maritime decarbonisation with the announcement of an order for the world’s first marine boiler system specifically designed to incinerate ammonia waste. Set for delivery between 2027 and 2028, this groundbreaking technology will be installed on a fleet of four ammonia dual-fuel vessels, as part of a joint development project with several industry leaders.

A game-changing innovation for ammonia-powered ships

As the shipping industry shifts towards alternative fuels, ammonia has emerged as a promising zero-carbon option. However, ammonia’s unique properties—including toxicity and the need for careful handling of waste gases—pose significant challenges for its safe use onboard ships.

Alfa Laval is taking the lead in making ammonia a feasible marine fuel by developing the world’s first marine boiler system to function as an Ammonia Release Mitigation System (ARMS). This cutting-edge system will safely incinerate ammonia emissions, significantly reducing the environmental and operational risks associated with its use. The system is set to be installed on four 45,000 cubic meter (cbm) multi-gas carriers, operated by global commodities company Trafigura, designed to transport LPG and ammonia.

This advanced boiler system is the result of a collaborative effort involving key partners, including engine designer WinGD and shipyard HD Hyundai Mipo in South Korea, which is responsible for the vessel construction.

“Our work with alternative fuels shows that Alfa Laval is not merely adapting to the industry's fuel shift but actively shaping it through our technological expertise,” said Anders Lindmark, Business Unit President, Heat & Gas Systems, Alfa Laval. “After our successes with LNG and methanol technologies, we are proud to be leading the way once again with this pioneering ammonia incineration system, combining environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.”

“This landmark project brings together some of the industry's most influential players to propel ammonia into the mainstream as a viable marine fuel,” said Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping, Trafigura. “Alfa Laval’s innovative ARMS boiler system addresses one of ammonia’s key technical challenges, ensuring safety for the environment and crew while helping to decarbonize the maritime industry.”

A multifunctional solution for ammonia-powered vessels

This innovative boiler system does more than just generate steam—it’s designed to safely incinerate gaseous ammonia and ammonia-nitrogen mixtures produced by ammonia dual-fuel engines, fuel supply systems, and other onboard equipment. This multi-purpose functionality will help shipowners save space and reduce costs by eliminating the need for additional equipment to manage ammonia purge emissions, boil-off gas, and tank emptying operations.

“By extending the capabilities of the boiler system to handle ammonia emissions, we are helping shipowners reduce both space and cost requirements,” said Stig Person, Head of R&D, Business Unit Heat & Gas Systems, Alfa Laval. “Our solution eliminates the need for separate ammonia waste-handling equipment, simplifying vessel design while boosting safety.”

“The first commercial deployment of this ammonia-incinerating boiler will set a new standard for future vessels, proving that ammonia can be safely used in shipping while optimizing vessel design and operational efficiency,” said Dong-jin Lee, Head of Initial and Detailed Design Divisions at HD Hyundai Mipo. “The space and weight savings provided by this integrated system will benefit both shipyards and vessel operators.”

Proven expertise in multi-fuel technology

Alfa Laval has long been a leader in the development of multi-fuel technologies, leveraging decades of expertise in fuel handling. The company has already pioneered combustion systems for LNG and methanol-powered vessels, showcasing its ability to adapt to the evolving energy landscape.

The ammonia boiler development began in 2021, with internal studies and concept designs followed by lab-scale combustion tests starting in 2022. Full-scale tests at Alfa Laval's Test & Training Centre in Aalborg, Denmark, commenced in 2024, bringing the technology closer to commercialisation. This rigorous R&D process positions Alfa Laval to tackle the technical challenges of ammonia as a marine fuel, ensuring both safety and performance.

“This innovative system, a result of years of research and development, demonstrates our ability to provide state-of-the-art solutions that enable shipowners to transition to ammonia safely,” said David Jung, Business Development Manager, Alfa Laval. “These vessels will be among the first to showcase a fully integrated boiler system for ammonia waste incineration, solidifying Alfa Laval’s leadership in ammonia combustion technology for marine applications.”