EXCLUSIVE: On a mission to unlock ammonia’s potential

Amogy is on a mission to build technology that unlocks ammonia’s potential as a clean energy source, thus accelerating the global journey to Net Zero and sustaining future generations.  

“As a carbon-free hydrogen carrier, ammonia as a fuel is truly a no-brainer,” says Christian Berg, managing director, Amogy Norway. 

“With advancing technology nearing commercial viability, it’s no surprise that ammonia is gaining traction as a pivotal enabler of the clean energy transition. Beyond its carbon-free chemistry, its energy density and existing infrastructure further bolster its appeal.” 

He points out that globally, over 200 low-carbon ammonia facilities are in the planning stages, with the US Gulf Coast emerging as a significant hub.  

Because of these advantages, there’s a growing consensus among policymakers, energy firms, infrastructure investors, and industrial players alike that ammonia will play a central role as a long-distance energy carrier. 

Founded in 2020 by four MIT PhD alumni, Amogy aims to enable the decarbonisation of the hard-to-abate sectors, such as shipping, power generation and heavy-duty transportation, with its ammonia-based, carbon-free, high energy-density power solution. 

The system 

Amogy’s system is characterised by its scalability, modularity and tailored design, specifically engineered to meet the distinctive requirements of maritime applications. 

Within maritime shipping, Amogy’s power solution caters to various vessel types, including offshore, cargo and special purpose vessels.  

“We believe ammonia is an optimal fuel choice to drive decarbonisation within this sector,” says Mr Berg. 

“Our ammonia-to-electrical power system seamlessly converts ammonia into carbon-free electrical power at the point of use. By harnessing cutting-edge ammonia cracking technology, we achieve ultra-efficient conversion without combusting the ammonia.” 

The Amogy Powerpack is a modular system which enables supplementary modules to be integrated to deliver more sizable Powerpacks. 

Amogy has already received Approval-In-Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register for the system.

It is currently working toward achieving type approval from multiple classification societies, including DNV, Lloyd’s Register and the American Bureau of Shipping.  

Additionally, Amogy is working with the US Coast Guard to confirm powerpack regulatory compliance. These efforts will identify potential hazards and operational risks associated with using ammonia as a fuel and ensure appropriate safety measures are incorporated into the product design. 

Commercialisation 

Mr Berg says that Amogy’s recent partnership with Green Ships and the operational expertise of Bourbon Horizon represents a crucial milestone in Amogy’s mission to decarbonise the maritime sector.  

“The partnership signifies confidence in our ammonia-to-power technology as a viable solution for the industry’s urgent decarbonisation needs,” he says. 

Green Ships’s cutting-edge 82m ePSV design notably integrates Amogy’s pioneering ammonia-to-electrical power system as its primary propulsion method, setting a new standard for carbon-free maritime operations.  

This groundbreaking approach aligns with stringent DNV regulations and underscores a commitment to surpassing the maritime sector’s environmental targets. 

In addition, Amogy has created The NH3 Kraken tug as a capability demonstration for its own technology, which is almost ready to sail. 

As the world’s-first ammonia-powered, carbon-free tugboat, its demonstration will mark a significant milestone not just for Amogy, but for the entire maritime sector.  

Mr Berg says that showcasing the viability, efficiency and safety of ammonia as an alternative fuel is paramount, especially to its commercialisation.  

“The vessel sets the stage for substantial investment in ammonia and positions the maritime industry to embrace a cleaner, more sustainable future,” he says.

Land-side, Amogy is currently conducting full-scale tests of its ammonia cracking power systems in Stord, Norway. 

The company started flowing gas and performed ignition testing last month and will proceed in the coming days and weeks to ramp up and verify full 200 kW reforming capabilities. 

It has also recently signed other commercial contracts with Terox and Hanwha Ocean. These pilot projects signify a shift towards commercialisation of Amogy’s technology.  

“This focus on commercialisation is present as we focus on getting our facility up and running in Houston, first for larger scale testing of our system and eventually for assembly of our first commercial products,” adds Mr Berg. 

It’s exciting times for Amogy and for the ammonia market as a whole.  

Mr Berg says the company will continue to collaborate with clean ammonia procurers and developers of bunkering facilities to accelerate the development of the global value chain for clean ammonia moving forward.