Maersk Tankers’ plan to enable ammonia propulsion across its new Very Large Ammonia Carrier fleet has advanced after its RIPPLE retrofit project was selected for EU Innovation Fund support. In a company statement carried by Hellenic Shipping News, Maersk Tankers said the funding remained conditional on finalising the grant agreement. Selection therefore represents a step towards the proposed conversions, rather than confirmation that they will proceed.
RIPPLE would fit vessels with dual-fuel engines, allowing them to burn ammonia as a marine fuel. Maersk Tankers said the changes would reduce emissions from vessel operations, but that undertaking the retrofits would also require commercial commitments from customers. The statement places both the outstanding grant agreement and customer support among the conditions still to be met as the company pursues its ammonia-fuel ambitions.
The update coincided with a naming ceremony for Jessie Mærsk in Mokpo, South Korea. According to the statement, published on 22 October, the ceremony took place the previous day. Jessie Mærsk is the second vessel in Maersk Tankers’ new series of ten Very Large Ammonia and Gas Carriers, described as VLAC/VLGCs. The company thanked HD Hyundai Samho and its own staff for their contributions to the vessel reaching that milestone.
The ships are designed to carry either LPG or ammonia, with an option to retrofit dual-fuel engines for future ammonia-powered sailing. Maersk Tankers presented that combination as a way to meet current cargo transport needs while retaining flexibility for a developing marine-fuel market. The ability to transport ammonia is distinct from the proposed engine conversions that would allow the vessels to consume it as fuel.
Maersk Tankers said the ten-ship programme forms part of its return to gas shipping and its longer-term role as a vessel owner and operator. It sees the incoming fleet as an opportunity to support ammonia’s adoption as marine fuel and expand commercial opportunities for itself and its customers.