Nikkiso targets ammonia with new high-capacity pump

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (Nikkiso) has launched a new submerged ammonia pump designed to meet the growing demand for ammonia across a range of applications.

The pump, which was unveiled at the Gastech 2025 event in Milan, Italy, can deliver more than 2,500 cubic metres of ammonia per hour. Most submerged ammonia pumps for ammonia storage tanks and terminals typically handle in the hundreds of cubic metres range.

The speed of delivery makes it ideal for use in large-scale export terminals, ship loading, or for large-scale power generation.

“Demand for ammonia across a range of applications is growing thanks to its importance as an alternative clean fuel, its role in agriculture and as a carrier for hydrogen,” said Emile Bado, President of Nikkiso CE&IG’s Pumps division.

A submerged motor pump is installed directly inside the liquid ammonia, typically at the base of a storage tank, with the motor and pump fully enclosed in the fluid. This eliminates the need for mechanical seals and long shafts, reducing the risk of leakage and simplifying maintenance.

The liquid itself cools the motor, allowing continuous high-capacity operation while keeping all moving parts contained, which enhances safety and reliability in handling toxic ammonia.

Nikkiso said that its new pump has designed parts that should be durable, with a mean time between outages of more than 16,000 hours.

With its capacity and seal-less design, the pump is aimed at applications such as ammonia bunkering for shipping, large-scale storage and transfer at export hubs, and supply to power generation facilities, all of which are expected to see rising demand as ammonia gains traction as both a fuel and hydrogen carrier.

Nikkiso has made strides with its ammonia technology development in recent times. Last year, its new ammonia fuel supply system was issued an approval in principle by classification society ABS.

Ammonia is not without its challenges as a fuel. Its toxicity raises safety concerns for handling and bunkering, while combustion can produce nitrogen oxides that require additional treatment systems.

Classification societies such as ABS and Lloyd’s Register are developing safety frameworks for ammonia-powered vessels, while the International Maritime Organization is working on guidelines to support the safe uptake of alternative fuels.

According to Lloyd’s Register, orders for ammonia-fuelled vessels more than doubled year-on-year to reach 22 in 2024. Ammonia demand as a marine fuel is forecast to grow from 2.3 million tonnes a year in 2030 to 245 million tonnes a year by 2050.

The chemical, which is expected to reach production levels of over 300 million tonnes per year by mid-century, is also seeing its demand driven by its potential as a hydrogen carrier.

gasworld is also present at Gastech 2025. Jonathan Herridge and Melinda Munds are in attendance and showcasing sales and intelligence platform opportunities.

“We’re here to listen, learn and share how gasworld is expanding its Intelligence services – from Atom, our analytics platform, to Pulse reports and tailored consultancy. The conversations this week are all about how gases intelligence can support industry growth,” said Herridge.

“We look forward to connecting with many of you across the exhibition floor — let’s make it a week of ideas, insights and collaboration.”