In a UK Government funded feasibility study, ammonia as a future fuel for the maritime sector, is to be assessed by Ricardo, Brunel University of London and the Port of Cromarty Firth.
The study will aim to grow understanding in how the fuel could support the decarbonisation of the sector and produce 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 engineering and environmental consultancy 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, 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 Global Technical Expert, Sustainable Engines, added: “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, 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, 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 to conclude in Spring 2026.
Image: Ricardo is leading a UK Shore project investigating four-stroke ammonia-fuelled marine propulsion (source: Ricardo)
