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ZeroCoaster ammoniapowered cargo ship wins DNV AiP Classification society DNV has awarded approval in principle (AiP) status for the ZeroCoaster ammonia-fuelled cargo ship, confirming an independent assessment that the ship’s design is feasible and there are no obstacles to the design being commercially realised. This is the first time an alkaline fuel cell with ammonia cracker and fuel storage has received this approval, according to AFC Energy, the UK-based provider of hydrogen power generation technologies.
The AiP is said to be a milestone achievement set to unlock the adoption of ammonia and high energy dense alkaline fuel cell technology in the multi-billion-dollar effort to decarbonise global maritime. ZeroCoaster Consortium is led by Vard Engineering Brevik AS and includes ABB, Trosvik Maritime, SINTEF Ocean and HK Shipping and is sponsored by the Norwegian Government. The objective is to
design next-generation coastal cargo ships to accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping solutions. Green ammonia AFC Energy began work with VARD, ABB and ZeroCoaster partners in June 2021 to design and engineer a modularised bulk carrier cargo ship propulsion system fuelled with green ammonia. The technology chosen for the
ship’s 1.2MW capacity is AFC Energy’s new “S” Series heavy duty marinised platform which is expected to host 2 x 600kW of alkaline fuel cell systems plus ammonia cracking technology within modular 40ft containers. VARD will now commence commercial discussions with prospective customers for the purchase of new ammonia fuelled ships, featuring AFC Energy’s
