Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and yards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) announced collaboration on the development of ammonia burning engine that will be fitted to a new fleet of EPS- managed vessels.
The three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed demonstrate the organisations’ approach to decarbonisation and environmental preservation. The engines developed are expected to create a pathway for wide-scale adoption across the maritime industry.
EPS CEO Cyril Ducau says: ‘We have been talking about energy transition and lowering emissions for years…The ammonia engines by MAN ES will be an inflection point for the maritime industry. In the next few years, we expect to operate vessels with significantly reduced emissions running on ammonia. Dual-fuel engines like LNG, LPG, and ethane will still play a significant role in various segments. However, with this engine, it will mean that this will be the first time that ocean going vessels will take a significant step towards zero carbon emissions.’
MAN ES senior vice president and head of two-stroke Bjarne Foldager says: ‘This is a significant milestone for MAN ES, EPS, and the maritime industry.’
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) chief executive Teo Eng Dih adds: ‘MPA is actively investigating the use of ammonia for international shipping and is glad to be part of this collaborative effort. The next few years will be critical as we work with partners to examine ways to de-risk the application and operation for ammonia-fuelled vessels, and enhance the development of low and zero carbon solutions.’
These vessels are expected to be delivered from 2026 onwards.
Author: Molly Cooper, AntwerpXL 2023
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