System solution for ammonia-powered engines in inland waterway shipping
How can ammonia produced from renewable sources not only be stored on board ships, but also utilized safely and energy-efficiently for propulsion? This is the question addressed by the AmHyPower collaborative project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). As part of the project, Fraunhofer IMM is developing an ammonia cracker that will supply hydrogen or hydrogen-rich synthesis gas for a gas engine with an output of 200 kW.
Integrating ammonia as a fuel into an overall system
Renewably produced ammonia is considered a particularly attractive energy carrier because it contains no carbon. At the same time, its use poses significant challenges in terms of safety, storage, and systems engineering. The project therefore combines the development of the propulsion system with a concept for a space-saving, lightweight, free-form tank. The goal is to make better use of the available installation space on an inland waterway vessel and thus be able to store more fuel on board.
As part of this collaborative project, Fraunhofer IGP is working with other project partners to develop solutions for a lightweight, free-form tank made of fiber-reinforced composites. Key areas of focus include the resistance of the materials and adhesive joints to ammonia, as well as the structural safety of the tank.
An integrated approach with broad application potential
AmHyPower takes an integrated development approach in which fuel storage, processing, the engine, control systems, and safety are viewed as an interconnected system. This yields insights that go beyond individual components and are relevant both for the further design of ammonia propulsion systems and for their integration into various maritime applications. At the same time, the project lays the groundwork for addressing broader issues related to technical qualification, certification, and standardization. Looking ahead, individual solutions can also be applied to other fields of application, such as deep-sea shipping, commercial vehicles, and rail vehicles.
Fraunhofer IMM at Hydrogen Technology World Expo
At the Hydrogen Technology World Expo 2026 Fraunhofer IMM demonstrates the various ways ammonia can be used as an energy carrier for maritime and other applications that are difficult to electrify. In addition to AmHyPower, researchers will provide insights into the institute’s other development initiatives such as the EU project GAMMA, in which ammonia and green methanol are to be converted into hydrogen on board a cargo ship, as well as the collaboration with First Ammonia Motors, in which an internal combustion engine is powered by ammonia and the hydrogen required for combustion is produced directly on board. Join the experts for a conversation and discuss which technological approach is best suited for your specific applications. Additional Project Partners: Neptun Ship Design GmbH, BaltiCo GmbH, NORIS Automation GmbH, ScanDiesel GmbH, TAB Technologie und AnlagenBau, Engineering- und Managementgesellschaft.