Historic Tugboat with Ammonia-to-Power Technology Demonstrated by Amogy

Amogy, a start-up company specializing in ammonia-to-power technology, recently showcased its groundbreaking cracking technology by powering a tugboat along a tributary of New York State’s Hudson River. This milestone, achieved just before the company’s fourth anniversary, marks a significant step in their mission to decarbonize challenging industries. Amogy’s innovative system splits liquid ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen, with the hydrogen then used to generate power for the vessel. This approach differs from ammonia-fueled combustion engines previously demonstrated on other vessels, highlighting the company’s unique contribution to sustainable maritime solutions.

The tugboat used for the demonstration was a 67-year-old vessel acquired by Amogy in 2023. Originally fueled by diesel, the ship underwent a transformation as the company replaced its power system with an ammonia-to-power fuel cell system. Renamed the “NH3 Kraken” in reference to its technology and the chemical formula for ammonia, the vessel was fueled with green ammonia produced using renewable energy during the demonstration. While the technology still produces trace amounts of nitrogen oxides, efforts are underway to address this issue and further enhance the system’s environmental impact.

Amogy’s successful demonstration of the “NH3 Kraken” represents the largest application of their technology to date. Since their inception in November 2020, the company has attracted a notable list of investors, including Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and Mitsubishi Corporation. Building on their previous demonstrations with aerial drones, farm tractors, and semi-trucks, Amogy plans to release a detailed case study on the tugboat conversion in the near future. Leveraging insights gained from these initiatives, the company aims to advance their technology and collaborate with key players in the maritime industry to drive sustainable innovation forward.

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