Pherousa Green Shipping AS (PGS) and Pherousa Green Technologies AS (PGT) have joined forces to develop a fleet of Ultramax dry bulk carriers powered by ammonia.
The companies are collaborating with Deltamarin, a renowned ship design and engineering firm based in Finland, to create a vessel that enables true zero-emission propulsion through the use of ammonia as a bulk fuel. This innovative ship design aligns with the growing focus on alternative fuels and decarbonization in the deep-sea shipping industry.
PGT, an affiliated company to Metacon’s daughter company Helbio S.A., maintains a 10 percent ownership stake in PGT while also maintaining a technology partnership related to ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking. In parallel, HAV Group ASA, a Norwegian maritime technology and service supplier, has joined as an industrialization partner and also holds a 10 percent ownership share in PGT.
The collaboration with Deltamarin marks a significant step in advancing the development of ammonia-fueled vessels. Deltamarin has a strong reputation for its expertise in ship design and engineering, with a particular focus on alternative fuels and decarbonization. Together with PGT, Deltamarin has created an innovative long-endurance ammonia-fueled Ultramax bulk carrier concept.
The breakthrough in ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology was recently achieved through a successful delivery of a prototype ammonia cracker by Metacon to Pherousa. The ammonia cracker utilizes Helbio’s unique tubular reforming reactor technology, enabling the production of high-quality hydrogen for use in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The compact and efficient ammonia cracking process opens up possibilities for developing carbon-free ammonia-based propulsion systems, either through internal combustion engines (ICE) or fuel cell (FC) drive trains.
In the ICE-based drive trains, ammonia is combusted with the help of hydrogen, while in the FC-based drive trains, ammonia is fully converted to hydrogen, which is then used to generate electricity to power electric motors. Both solutions are considered true zero CO2 options as they eliminate carbon emissions entirely.
Hans Bredrup, the Chairman of Pherousa Green Technologies AS, expressed enthusiasm for the launch of the ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology in collaboration with Deltamarin’s vessel design. Bredrup highlighted the significance of this milestone in addressing global climate change challenges and positioning Pherousa as a leader in sustainable shipping. The partnership with Helbio S.A., Metacon AB, and HAV Group ASA further strengthens their commitment to driving innovation and paving the way for future customers.
Christer Wikner, President & CEO of Metacon, emphasized the company’s role as a technology partner and supplier of key sub-systems for Pherousa’s sustainable shipping mission. Wikner sees this collaboration as a substantial long-term business opportunity for Metacon and welcomes HAV Group ASA as a capable partner in this exciting venture.
The goal of developing ammonia-fueled Ultramax bulk carriers is aligned with the maritime industry’s increasing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable fuels. By adopting ammonia as a bulk fuel, Pherousa aims to demonstrate the viability and potential of ammonia-powered vessels, showcasing a pathway for decarbonization in the shipping sector.
