Study to understand role of ammonia in maritime decarbonisation announced
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, as part of a feasibility study that aims understand how the fuel could support the decarbonisation of the sector and 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 Ricardo, a world leading engineering and environmental consultancy, 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 at 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’s Global Technical Expert in Sustainable Engines, said: “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 at 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 for 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.
ENDS
Note to editor
Project FASTMOVE is funded by UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. UK SHORE has allocated over £230m since 2022 to over 247 projects, leveraging over £107m private investment. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the main delivery partner for UK SHORE interventions, including the flagship Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition and ZEVI: Battery electric vessels and charging infrastructure competitions.
Maritime is a key sector which needs to find innovative solutions to its carbon footprint in order to contribute to the UK’s decarbonisation agenda. The UK SHORE programme is a key part of that work, supporting research and development to unlock an industry-led transition towards Net Zero and deliver economic growth, in line with the Government’s missions and the Plan for Change.
The UK SHORE programme consists of multiple headline projects situated all across the UK from Belfast and Orkney to Cornwall and Portsmouth and all points in between - showcasing the exceptional, highly-skilled work being delivered throughout the UK economy. UK SHORE is supporting 500 organisations, unlocking investment potential in UK technologies, at UK ports and at UK shipyards.
About Ricardo
Ricardo plc is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. With over 100 years of engineering excellence and employing close to 3,000 employees in more than 20 countries, we provide exceptional levels of expertise in delivering innovative cross-sector sustainable outcomes to support energy transition and scarce resources, environmental services together with safe and smart mobility. Our global team of consultants, environmental specialists, engineers and scientists support our customers to solve the most complex and dynamic challenges to help achieve a safe and sustainable world. Visit: www.ricardo.com
About Brunel University of London
Brunel University of London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. As one of the largest research groups on engines and their fuels, the Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels has extensive engine research, development and testing facilities amongst UK universities, including hydrogen and ammonia compliant engine testing cells, comprehensive combustion and emission analysers, a full range of optical and laser measurement equipment for fuel injection and combustion studies, and simulation software for engine flow, spray and combustion modelling. Visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Centres/Advanced-Powertrains-and-Fuels
About Port of Cromarty Firth
Port of Cromarty Firth is at the heart of the transition to renewable energy. The Port has been providing land and quaysides able to support the construction of onshore and offshore windfarms for 20 years. As a Trust Port, the organisation’s objectives focus on the creation of jobs and business opportunities, alongside environmental stewardship and commercial sustainability. The organisation reinvests 100% of its profits into the future development of the Port for the benefit of its stakeholders. This reinvestment includes projects such as FASTMOVE, which help us to assess future clean fuel technologies.
