Ammonia research project to probe clean tech and energy management solutions

The project, which has received EUR9.5 million in funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research fund, was launched in May 2021, and will run until 2025. The project is being coordinated by RINA Consulting, and includes 21 participants, drawn from academia, as well as naval architects C-JOB, MAN Energy Solutions, and Orcan Energy. Haldor Topsoe is also participating in the project.

The partners in the ENGIMMONIA project will focus on exploring the use of ammonia as a fuel, in combination with three different clean energy technologies. The first of which is the application of Waste Heat Recovery solutions, making use of ORC and adsorption chiller technologies. The Motorship notes Orcan Energy previously collaborated with MAN ES and fellow consortium participant TU Denmark on an ORC-focused research project (PilotORC) project.

A second approach is the use of structural PV cells aboard a vessel, while the third is the use of a digital tool for energy management optimisation. In connection with the the digital tool, METIS will develop digital services to acquire data from any instrument on board a vessel relating to operational efficiency and environmental performance; assist crew in operating machinery and vessel at optimum efficiency; and support data scientists in evaluating new technologies and fuels.

The consortium will also develop and test innovative exhaust aftertreatment systems (EATS) to minimise so-called ammonia slip. The clean energy solutions will be trialled on board three different type of vessels: a passenger ferry, a container ship and an oil tanker. The three shipowners are also members of the consortium.