Maersk Tankers Advances Green Shipping with EU-Funded Ammonia Retrofit
Maersk Tankers has received funding from the EU Innovation Fund for its innovative project aimed at retrofitting Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) to utilize ammonia as a marine fuel. This groundbreaking initiative, named Ripple, will be the first of its kind in the EU, equipping these large vessels with dual-fuel ammonia two-stroke engines. The project aims to demonstrate the commercial viability of ammonia-fueled operations, contributing to the industry’s transition toward sustainable energy sources.
The proposal involves retrofitting four VLACs, which Maersk estimates will help avoid over 1.2 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions over a decade. The Ripple Project was selected among 78 projects for funding, part of a larger €3.4 billion investment initiative launched by the European Commission to support innovative decarbonization technologies through revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System. Negotiations for funding grants are expected to finalize by early 2027.
Maersk Tankers has already taken delivery of two VLACs from a series of ten ordered, with the first vessel, Jane Maersk, delivered in July. The second, Jessie Maersk, was received in October. These vessels are designed to transport liquefied ammonia or LPG and require advanced hull and unloading systems due to the specific gravity of liquefied ammonia.
The project aligns with a growing trend in the maritime industry, with 41 ammonia-fueled vessels currently on order. Other companies, such as Exmar and Eastern Pacific Shipping, are also making strides in ammonia-powered shipping, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions and exploring sustainable fuel alternatives. Maersk Tankers notes that the success of its retrofitting initiative will hinge on securing commercial commitments from customers.
