Ammonia is one of the designated energy carriers for a carbon-neutral future. It is also widely used to meet the increasing global demand for fertilisers and as a refrigerant. In the energy sector, ammonia serves either as a hydrogen carrier or as a fuel for combustion engines. In all cases, it must be transported from the production site to the point of use.

Ammonia is distributed worldwide by ship and, on a regional or local level, by rail or truck. In some large-scale production areas, pipelines may also be used. As ammonia is classified as a dangerous good, carriage by tank trucks is not permitted in certain countries. For this reason, 20 m³ isotainers are often used, which also simplifies intermodal transport.

The method of liquefying ammonia depends on the transport mode. Ships typically carry cryogenic ammonia at a temperature of -33 °C, stored in insulated tanks at near-ambient pressure. Rail and road tankers use pressure containment vessels; ammonia is kept liquid under approximately 8 bar at ambient temperature.

We can offer a range of speciality products for handling liquefied ammonia. Depending on the application and required transfer rate, technical rubber or composite hoses are available: The AMX rubber hose DN 50 (2") is widely used on road and rail tankers.

In addition, the cryogenic ammonia composite hoses we supply (up to 10" in diameter) are the preferred choice for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore transfer. For safe, spill-free operation, the use of dry gas couplings (DGC Ammonia) together with safety breakaway couplings is strongly recommended.