In a groundbreaking move that’s set to send ripples through the maritime industry, Norwegian maritime technology company Pherousa has secured Approvals in Principle (AiPs) from both the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and DNV for its ammonia cracking technology. This isn’t just a stamp of approval; it’s a green light for a future where ships sail on zero-emission propulsion, courtesy of PEM Fuel Cells and Fuel Gas Supply System (FGSS). The technology is designed to revolutionize short- to deep-sea transport, making the transition to fossil-free propulsion a tangible reality.
Pherousa, backed by a powerhouse of partners, is blazing a trail with this ammonia cracking technology. The crew includes designers Deltamarin, the flag state Marshall Islands, Babcock International Group supplying the FGSS, and Metacon, the technology developer and shareholder of Pherousa. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about paving the way for a sustainable future in maritime transport.
Hans Bredrup, Chairman of Pherousa, doesn’t mince words when he says, “The Approval in Principle from two of the leading classification societies and certification bodies, ABS and DNV, marks another important milestone for us in the development of zero-emission solutions for the maritime industry. By granting Pherousa these AiPs, both ABS and DNV clearly state that there are no showstoppers of the Pherousa technology for marine application.”
This isn’t just about getting a pat on the back from industry giants; it’s about driving real change. Pherousa is already rolling up its sleeves to design and construct a series of 64,000 dwt Bulk Carriers earmarked for the copper industry. The goal? To ensure that copper, a critical component in solar panels and electric cars, can be transported across oceans without leaving a carbon footprint.
Bredrup emphasizes the significance of this development, stating, “Only ships that have no carbon fuels onboard can ensure the end-users that the copper utilized for solar panels or electric cars is free of emissions in its supply chain.” This isn’t just about moving cargo; it’s about moving towards a cleaner, greener future.
Ammonia is rapidly gaining traction as a hydrogen carrier for technology application onboard vessels, from coastal to deep-sea shipping. And with Clean Ammonia potentially making up about 13% of the global ammonia supply by 2030, the maritime industry is on the cusp of a significant shift. Pherousa Shipping, a subsidiary of Pherousa, has been working closely with two major copper miners to design an emission-free transportation solution for copper concentrates. The vessels are slated to hit the water in parallel with the new IMO regulations coming into force in 2030, ensuring that the cargo industry can leverage fully emission-free vessels for their transportation needs.
This development isn’t just a win for Pherousa; it’s a win for the entire maritime industry. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets sustainability. As the industry grapples with the challenges of decarbonization, Pherousa’s breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope. It’s a call to action, a challenge to norms, and a spark to ignite debate. The future of maritime transport is here, and it’s zero-emission.
