MOL and Carnot Lead Project for Ammonia-Fueled Marine Engines in UK

Introduction

In a significant step towards decarbonizing maritime operations, MOL (Europe Africa) Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Carnot Ltd., a UK-based venture, have embarked on an innovative project to develop auxiliary engines fueled by ammonia. This initiative has been approved under the UK's Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 6, showcased by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE). This government-backed project is expected to run from September 2025 until March 2026.

Project Overview

This project, spearheaded by Carnot Ltd. under the leadership of CEO Archie Watts-Farmer, aims to innovate in the field of marine engineering by utilizing high-temperature materials to construct the engines. This approach significantly minimizes energy losses during the cooling process, enhancing thermal efficiency and drastically improving fuel consumption rates. In collaboration with various UK-based businesses and academic institutions, including De Courcy Alexander Ltd., Houlder Ltd., Clean Air Power GT Ltd., and the University of Southampton, this project aspires to establish a comprehensive plan for the development and implementation of ammonia-fueled marine engines. The overarching goal is to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry while simultaneously lowering operational costs.

Collaborative Efforts

The University of Southampton plays a crucial role by conducting advanced combustion simulations to ensure that the ammonia fuel is burned efficiently. Clean Air Power GT Ltd. is responsible for innovating technologies that facilitate efficient fuel delivery to the auxiliary engines. Houlder Ltd. provides technical expertise for the installation of ammonia-fueled engines, while De Courcy Alexander Ltd. analyzes market potential, competition, risk assessment, and strategy formulation," ensuring that the project aligns with industry needs.

MOL (Europe Africa) Ltd. brings its extensive knowledge of ship operations, fleet management, and strategic guidance for the introduction of next-generation fuels, contributing significantly to the phase-wise implementation strategy.

Commitment to Sustainability

MOL's corporate philosophy centers around sustainable growth, prominently highlighted in their management plan, "BLUE ACTION 2035." This initiative reflects the company's commitment to tackling sustainability challenges while simultaneously addressing social and environmental issues. Through this ammonia-powered engine project, MOL aims to not only achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from its vessels but also set a precedent for the broader maritime industry, striving towards a significant decrease in overall emissions.

Government Support

The backing from the UK government is essential for this project, with the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions investing over £230 million since 2022 to foster decarbonization efforts in the maritime sector. This initiative paves the way for technological advancements and recognizes opportunities for economic growth during the transition to greener fuel solutions. Among its various roles, Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, also plays a critical part in executing policies related to emissions reduction in the UK shipping industry.

Conclusion

Overall, this collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for sustainable maritime operations. By paving the way for ammonia-fueled engines, MOL and its partners not only focus on operational efficiency but also affirm their commitment to confronting climate change. As the project unfolds, it will be closely monitored for its impact on emissions reduction, cost-effectiveness, and its potential to inspire similar initiatives across the global maritime sector.