Ammonia

Ricardo-led study to assess potential of ammonia in maritime decarbonisation

‘The feasibility study gives us the opportunity to look at the potential benefits and challenges of the use of four-stroke ammonia-fuelled marine engines in offshore support vessels,’ says Richard Osborne of Ricardo.

Published

11 months ago

September 8, 2025

Admin

Strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company Ricardo on Thursday (4 September) said it will be leading a study on ammonia as a future fuel for the maritime sector.

Ricardo, Brunel University of London and the Port of Cromarty Firth will conduct the feasibility study that aims to understand how the fuel could support the decarbonisation of the sector and a concept for a next-generation ammonia combustion engine.

The feasibility study, Project FASTMOVE, is part of a Department of Transport funded initiative, UK SHORE, which aims to drive the shift towards a more sustainable maritime sector, while also supporting economic growth across the UK.

As part of Project FASTMOVE, the partnership, led by Ricardo, will evaluate the feasibility of four-stroke ammonia-fuelled marine engines in offshore support vessels, as a route to emission reduction targets, and position the UK as the market leader in this field with the combustion system.

Key project features include:

Assessing the opportunity of ammonia for decarbonisation of vessels using Port of Cromarty Firth.
Developing further understanding of high-pressure dual-fuel ammonia combustion.
Developing a next generation combustion system concept that maximises the ammonia substitution rate while minimising pollutant emissions.
Assessing port and vessel safety considerations.

In addition to providing research insights, each contributor will provide specific expertise: Brunel will be utilising its unique laboratories for spray characterisation and combustion modelling; Ricardo will be applying its extensive experience in combustion engines and the maritime sector to develop initial combustion concepts; and the Port of Cromarty Firth will assess safety requirements for ammonia storage and fuelling systems in ports for offshore support vessels.

James Lovett, Innovation Lead for Future Maritime Technologies at Innovate UK said: I’m delighted that Project FASTMOVE has been funded under CMDC Round 6. The project is a great example of the UK maritime industry leading the way to find a future fuel for a complex transport sector. The Project FASTMOVE consortium looks to leverage the incredible talent we have in this country for developing world-changing technologies, engines and technology.

Richard Osborne, Ricardo’s Global Technical Expert in Sustainable Engines, said: “We’re delighted to be working on this project in conjunction with the Port of Cromarty Firth and Brunel University of London. This feasibility study gives us the opportunity to look at the potential benefits and challenges of the use of four-stroke ammonia-fuelled marine engines in offshore support vessels, determining whether they will offer a more sustainable solution in this part of the maritime sector.”

Xinyan Wang, Professor and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at Brunel University of London, said: “Brunel has long pioneered ammonia research, from fuel blends for lorries to new applications in shipping. We’re delighted to be working with other leaders in their fields to take the next step in proving ammonia’s potential as a zero-carbon fuel and in setting the standards to decarbonise one of the hardest sectors.”

Joanne Allday, Head of Strategy and Business Development for Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re excited to be able to understand how ammonia can help the Port to offer cleaner fuels to our customers as part of the transition to clean energy, and to also play a foundational role in helping to establish the safety standards for use of this future fuel in the UK and beyond.”

The project will commence shortly and conclude in Spring 2026.

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Published: 5 September, 2025

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Ammonia

EXMAR’s “ANTWERPEN” completes first commercial voyage using ammonia bunker fuel

During its voyage from China to India, the vessel achieved ammonia dual-fuel operation fully in line with our expectations and design, demonstrating that the technology works in commercial service.

Published

12 hours ago

July 21, 2026

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EXMAR’s “ANTWERPEN” completes first commercial voyage using ammonia bunker fuel

Belgian shipowner EXMAR on Monday (20 July) announced the successful completion of gas carrier ANTWERPEN’s first commercial voyage using ammonia as a marine fuel.

During its voyage from China to India, the vessel achieved ammonia dual-fuel operation fully in line with our expectations and design, demonstrating that the technology works in commercial service.

“Together with our partners, we continue to fine-tune the systems as we build on this outstanding achievement. We are proud of our crew for their excellent pioneering work,” the company said in a social media post.

Developed in close collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions (formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions), and Lloyd’s Register, ANTWERPEN is capable of carrying up to 46,000 m³ of ammonia or LPG and trading with close to zero emissions when using low-carbon ammonia fuel.

The vessel meets and exceeds current IMO emissions reduction targets, reducing greenhouse gases by up to 90% compared to conventional ships.

Manifold Times previously reported ANTWERPEN participated in a pipe-to-ship (PTS) ammonia bunkering operation in Ulsan Port.

The operation was carried out by Lotte Fine Chemical Co Ltd with 600 metric tonnes (mt) of green ammonia (NH3) supplied to ANTWERPEN.

Photo credit: EXMAR
Published: 21 July, 2026

Alternative Fuels

KR, HD Hyundai tap first ammonia dual-fuel sea trial to develop vessel operating standards

Trial generated data on the vessel’s fuel supply system and engine, which will provide a technical foundation for KR’s future development of domestic guidelines for ammonia-fuelled ships.

Published

5 days ago

July 17, 2026

Admin

KR, HD Hyundai tap first ammonia dual-fuel sea trial to develop vessel operating standards

Korean Register (KR) on Tuesday (14 July) said it is collaborating with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to establish a domestic operating environment for ammonia-fuelled vessels under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Green Shipping Corridor Construction Support Project.

The initiative supports the development of ammonia as one of the most promising next-generation marine fuels.

HHI recently conducted a sea trial of Korea’s first ammonia dual-fuel propulsion vessel. The trial generated operational data on the vessel’s fuel supply system and engine, which will provide a valuable technical foundation for KR’s future development of domestic guidelines for environmentally friendly vessel operations and supporting wider maritime decarbonisation efforts.

A spokesperson for HD Hyundai, said: “Drawing on our group’s R&D capabilities and on-site technical expertise, we have made meaningful progress in advancing the application of ammonia as a marine fuel. We expect this to help enhance a sustainable maritime ecosystem while strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding industry.”

Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D Division, added: “The close collaboration between KR and HD Hyundai has enabled us to build the technical foundation for introducing ammonia-fueled vessels in Korea. We will continue to drive national projects forward together with HD Hyundai and establish technical standards befitting the era of Green Shipping Corridors.”

Photo credit: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
Published: 17 July, 2026

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 1.6% on year in June 2026

4.67 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.59 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Published

6 days ago

July 15, 2026

Admin

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 1.6% on year in June 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.67 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,669,100 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.59 million mt (4,594,700 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 2.03 million mt (+19.4% from 1.70 million mt), 2.20 million mt (-4.8% from 2.31 million mt), zero (-100% from 1,900 mt), 1,900 mt (-57.8% from 4,500 mt) and zero (from zero).

Bunker Jun

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June, (against on year) recorded respectively 5,300 mt (-86.3% from 38,800 mt), 30,700 mt (-73.1% from 114,300 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 1,500 mt (+50% from 1,000 mt).

LNG and methanol sales were 55,000 mt (-0.72% from 55,400 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 July, 2026