Maersk Tankers’ plan to enable its new very large ammonia carriers to run on ammonia has advanced after its RIPPLE retrofit project was selected for EU Innovation Fund support. The funding remains subject to completion of a grant agreement, according to a company statement published by Hellenic Shipping News. The selection is therefore a step towards the proposed conversions rather than confirmation that the vessels will be retrofitted.
Under RIPPLE, vessels would be equipped with dual-fuel engines allowing them to burn ammonia as marine fuel. Maersk Tankers said the changes would reduce emissions from vessel operations, but made clear that proceeding with the retrofits would depend on obtaining commercial commitments from customers. With ten very large ammonia carriers due to join its fleet, the company sees scope for the programme to help expand the use of ammonia as a shipping fuel.
Separately, Maersk Tankers marked the naming of Jessie Mærsk in Mokpo, South Korea, on 21 October. The ship is the second in its new series of ten very large ammonia and gas carriers, described as VLAC/VLGCs. In the statement, dated 22 October, the company acknowledged the contribution of HD Hyundai Samho and its own teams to reaching the naming milestone, and said it looked forward to the vessel joining the fleet.
The ships are designed to carry both LPG and ammonia, with an option for a dual-fuel engine retrofit that would allow ammonia-powered operation in future. Maersk Tankers presented that flexibility as a way to meet current transport demand while supporting the development of future energy shipping markets. The series forms part of its return to gas shipping and its stated long-term commitment to vessel ownership and operation. As the ships enter the fleet, the company expects them to strengthen its gas-shipping position and open commercial opportunities for both customers and Maersk Tankers.