Norwegian company Pherousa Green Shipping, in partnership with Pherousa Green Technologies, has unveiled an ambitious plan to potentially order up to six Ultramax dry bulk carriers specifically designed to operate on ammonia as a fuel.
This groundbreaking initiative, developed in collaboration with Deltamarin in Finland, aims to introduce zero-emission propulsion systems in the maritime industry, significantly reducing environmental impact.
The Ultramax ships will incorporate cutting-edge ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology developed by Helbio S.A., a subsidiary of Metacon. As part of the collaboration, Metacon maintains a 10 percent ownership stake in Pherousa Green Technologies, showcasing its commitment to sustainable shipping solutions. Additionally, HAV Group ASA, a Norwegian maritime technology and service provider, has joined forces with Pherousa as an industrialization partner, holding a 10 percent ownership share in Pherousa Green Technologies.
The ship design, incorporating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology, is poised to enable zero-emission propulsion, presenting a significant milestone in the quest for greener maritime operations. The innovative ammonia cracker prototype, delivered by Metacon to Pherousa in May 2022, utilizes Helbio’s advanced tubular reforming reactor technology. This achievement allows the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell to be fueled with ammonia that meets the fuel quality standards outlined in ISO 14687:2019.
The efficiency and compactness of the ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking process make it suitable for onboard implementation, paving the way for carbon-free ammonia-based propulsion systems. These technologies offer the potential for developing zero CO2 solutions, utilizing either internal combustion engines (ICE) that employ ammonia-facilitated hydrogen combustion or fuel cell (FC) propulsion systems. In the latter, ammonia is entirely converted into hydrogen, which is then transformed into electricity to power electric motors. The choice between the two options depends on specific circumstances and preferences, but both provide viable zero-emission solutions.
Hans Bredrup, Chairman of Pherousa Green Technologies AS, expressed enthusiasm for launching the Pherousa technology at a critical moment when global climate change impacts are increasingly apparent. The integration of Ammonia-to-Hydrogen cracking Technology into an existing Deltamarin design represents a significant leap forward and sets an example for future customers of Pherousa and the broader industry. Bredrup further emphasized the importance of partnership with Helbio S.A., Metacon AB, and HAV Group ASA in this transformative endeavor.
Christer Wikner, President & CEO of Metacon, highlighted their ongoing support for Pherousa in their mission to enable sustainable shipping. Metacon’s role as a technology partner and supplier of key sub-systems presents a significant long-term business opportunity, further solidifying their commitment to the future growth market. Wikner warmly welcomed HAV Group as a capable industrialization partner, recognizing their valuable contribution to this exciting venture.
