Ammonia Marine Propulsion System - USV (AMPS-USV)

A zero carbon coastal freight network, represents a multi-billion-pound industry for the rapidly-growing wider global ship technology market, in part driven by the requirement for zero-emissions technology.

To support this change there's an urgent requirement to optimise clean-Marine Power System (MPS) solutions for a wide range of current and future vessels. This project represents Phase 1 of a multi-phase approach -- the demonstration of an Ammonia-MPS (AMPS) and subsequent energy output compared with the operational power requirements from OI's Armada78 Un-crewed/lean crewed Surface Vessel (USV).

With a view to optimising the AMPS solution in preparation for Phase 2 -- integration of optimised AMPS solution into OI's Armada fleet. For this project, there are 5 main components:

First -- Design the MPS test facility and build critical sub-component facilities that require physical demonstration for AMPS optimisation. This facility will host a scaled down version of critical sub-components of the AMPS technology, ultimately intended for integration into the Armada fleet. This facility's design will be modular and scalable with the capacity to easily integrate with vessel infrastructure going forward into phase 2.

Second - design/build and optimise the AMPS. This is a scaled down solution of PEMFC technology powered by hydrogen derived from ammonia, seen currently as optimal fuel cell solution for OI's Armada fleet.

Third - tank trials of the PEMFC, in a 6dof modular test frame, designed to mimic the ocean-environment and understand how the technology will perform during operations at sea.

Fourth -- Simulated demonstration, using an Armada 78m power simulator to understand power requirements, during transit along pre-determined routes as a function of speed, sea-state and application compared with simulated power generation from the land-based AMPS (incl. physical testing of critical sub-components for AMPS optimisation) at the test facility.

Fifth - capture data from the project and subsequent development of a feasibility and exploitation document (including a tool to measure GHG savings) informing partners on how to approach Phase 2 -- the integration of AMPS into an OI Armada vessel.

This project is crucial for developing a robust understanding and thus optimisation of an AMPS, suitable for integration into OI's Armada fleet and beyond. Creating a baseline understanding of requirements necessary for vessel integration, having far reaching consequences for the UK maritime sector. Developing old/new supply chains, creating highly skilled jobs and making a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of shipping, globally.

We have assembled a strong project team consisting of Ocean Infinity (Lead Partner), OXGRIN (design, integration and optimisation of AMPS), SMMI (defining success, modelling at-sea-conditions and documenting technology feasibility), are supported by Shell (fuel supply, storage and handling) and Oxford University (analysis of containment gas).