Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has confirmed its participation in the Future Low-emission Ammonia Marine Engine Project, a UK-backed initiative aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. The project, led by UK-based Carnot Ltd., has been chosen for the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 6 (CMDC6), part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program.
The consortium includes MOL (Europe Africa) Ltd., De Courcy Alexander Ltd., Houlder Ltd., Clean Air Power GT Ltd., and the University of Southampton. Together, they aim to develop an ammonia-powered auxiliary engine retrofit solution that will allow ship operators to reduce both fuel costs and emissions.
CMDC6 forms part of the UK Government’s strategy to establish the country as a hub for clean maritime technology, with UK SHORE having committed over £230 million since 2022 to support decarbonisation projects. Funding is provided through the Department for Transport, with Innovate UK overseeing delivery.
The project will centre on advancing Carnot’s high-efficiency engine technology, which uses heat-resistant materials to prevent energy losses during cooling, significantly improving thermal and fuel efficiency. The University of Southampton will conduct combustion simulations to fine-tune ammonia performance, while Clean Air Power GT Ltd. will design a high-flow ammonia injector. Houlder Ltd. will focus on the integration of the retrofit into existing vessels, and De Courcy Alexander Ltd. will assess market viability, competition, and potential adoption barriers.
Takeshi Hashimoto, President and CEO of MOL, has placed sustainability at the forefront of the company’s BLUE ACTION 2035 strategy. MOL (Europe Africa) Ltd.’s role in the consortium will be to provide operational expertise and guide the phased introduction of ammonia engines into shipping fleets, ensuring practical application across various vessel types.
Carnot’s work on alternative fuels is aligned with growing industry pressure to meet environmental targets without compromising operational efficiency. The ammonia retrofit is intended as a cost-effective path for existing vessels to meet stricter emissions regulations without requiring full engine replacements.
