OSM Thome and Pherousa order ammonia-powered bulk carriers with hydrogen fuel cells

Norwegian shipping companies OSM Thome and Pherousa Green Shipping (PGS) have agreed to build a series of six ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers.

PHOTO: OSM Thome and PGS’ ammonia-powered bulk carrier concept. PGS

The 63,000-dwt vessels have been designed by Finnish ship designer Deltamarin. The vessels have been based on an existing Deltamarin design that has been modified to “include the ammonia cracking technology” developed by Pherousa's technology transfer firm: Pherousa Green Technologies (PGT).

PGT has developed a technology that uses ammonia to generate hydrogen onboard vessels.

The system converts liquid ammonia stored onboard into hydrogen by breaking it down into nitrogen and hydrogen molecules, through a process called "ammonia cracking". Ammonia cracking is typically done at temperatures of 850-950°C using a nickel catalyst.

These vessels will be equipped with proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells that can be powered by the hydrogen cracked from ammonia.

Upon completion, all six vessels will be deployed to cater to “the global copper industry,” given “copper’s pivotal role in worldwide decarbonization efforts,” OSM Thome believes.

“The concept has garnered significant support, and we are actively engaging with key stakeholders in both ammonia supply and vessel end-users. This momentum is propelling us towards realizing zero-emission copper transportation, fostering a fully zero carbon supply chain from mines to destinations,” Pherousa Group’s chairman Hans Bredrup says.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online