MAN Energy Solutions believes standards for using ammonia as fuel on ships may be made available by the end of this year.

The engine maker is teaming up with major classification societies and port authorities to draw up the safety rules for the zero-carbon chemical to be used as fuel on vessels.

Speaking to TradeWinds, MAN ES chief executive Uwe Lauber said the use of ammonia as fuel is very challenging as the chemical compound is very toxic.