Pherousa’s recent launch of its next milestone, the Marine Pilot Programme, marks a decisive step toward revolutionizing marine energy systems and shipping sustainability, by scaling up its ammonia-hydrogen technology towards commercialization for any ship type.
The program follows the significant achievement of obtaining Approvals in Principle (AiPs) from two major classification societies—ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and DNV (Det Norske Veritas)—in the first quarter of 2025. These approvals underscore the technical credibility and safety credentials of the Pherousa concept, paving the way for full-scale design, integration, and demonstration aboard a ship.
Parallel Development: The Ultramax Project
Pherousa Shipping AS, Oslo, is a 100% owned subsidiary of Pherousa AS, and owns the concept design and AiPs for a series of “Zero-Emission Ultramaxes”, earmarked for the copper industry. Marinizing and scaling the Pherousa technology to a 250+ kW Pilot is a necessary step prior to proceeding with Final Design of the Ultramaxes.
The Pherousa Ultramaxes aim to represent the next generation in more sustainable shipping, envisioned as fully electric, zero-CO2 emissions (tank-to-wake) vessels capable of carrying bulk cargoes, across global routes.
ABS Pherousa AiP Ceremony Nor-Shipping June 2025. (Image credit: Pherousa)
Stakeholder Collaboration and Working Groups
Pherousa’s vision has since 2023 received input from a dynamic network of industry stakeholders, working collaboratively to address technical, operational, and commercial challenges.
The ongoing collaboration between miners, fuel suppliers, shipowners, designers, and classification societies exemplify the cooperative spirit needed to tackle the emissions intensive transportation and climate challenges facing global shipping.
Key participants in a working group supporting Pherousa’s progress under its Ultramax Project:
- BHP: Major copper miner providing essential input on cargo handling and transport requirements, which stands out for industry-leading practices and ambitions to decarbonize own operations and support efforts in the value chains
- Engie and Mejillones Ammonia Energy (MAE): Visionary projects for producing and supplying Ammonia as a marine
- Berge Bulk: Offering technical insight from a shipowner’s perspective, especially regarding vessel operations and One of the most forward striving shipping companies in the world with an early & determined focus on decarbonizing.
- ABS and DNV: Ensuring that safety, environmental, and regulatory standards are met throughout
- Deltamarin: Fit-for-purpose designs across all ship types, with a focus & lead on emission
From Prototype to Marine Integration
The base ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology was originally developed by the Metacon group more than 20 years ago for industrial settings, not for maritime use. It turned out that its main characteristics are perfectly fit for shipping:
- Vibration and movement tolerant
- Flexible installation (orientation, location, compact)
- Seawater / harsh environment resistant
Pherousa holds an exclusive license to Metacon’s ammonia cracking technology, for maritime use on board vessels. Metaco is a 35% shareholder of Pherousa AS.
The initial 10kW prototype, which proved the underlying technology, is now being scaled to a modular marine pilot with a power output of 250+ kW. Marinizing the Pherousa concept involves designing for reliability, safety, and operability within the challenging marine environment.
- Pre-design by Pherousa & Metacon completed in August
- A Consortium of partners will include Class & Flag State, a technical integrator as well as suppliers of Fuel Gas Supply Systems, Fuel Cells, And Formal group formation and main design to start by September 2025.
- Construction of pilot scheduled for March/April Onboard vessel testing expected by Q2 2027.
Pilot Installation and Specifications
Central to the Marine Pilot Program is the installation of the pilot system on a “host ship.” This can be any vessel currently trading and in a «semi-international» trading pattern. Pherousa is working on mapping suitable candidates.
The implementation involves:
- Footprint: The entire installation is estimated to occupy one 40 ft container, supplemented by an additional tank for ammonia
- Operational Role: Designed to produce electricity and supplement the vessels switchboard during all relevant service
- Type Approval: To ensure compliance and facilitate future adoption, the system will seek formal type approval from relevant classification societies once operational performance is validated.
Pherousa Marine Pilot. (Image credit: Pherousa)
Scaling to Megawatt Size
The technology validated by the pilot will thereafter be scaled to megawatt size during 2028/2029, once the program is concluded. This phase includes:
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Design Evolution: Incorporating lessons from the pilot and ongoing user feedback, the system will be engineered to power large deep- sea vessels, targeting full electrification and zero emissions at
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Yard Specification: Design phase 2 of the Ultramaxes will continue with Deltamarin, enabling Yard specification & tendering thereafter
Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer: “We are seeing rapid innovation and new developments around ammonia as an alternative fuel, whether as a carrier of hydrogen or as a fuel in its own right. Cracking ammonia to produce hydrogen for fuel cells is one that has the potential to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime industry. ABS is proud to share our deep insight into the safety aspects of ammonia as a marine fuel in supporting development of this capability.”
Morten Løvstad, DNV Vice President and Global Business Director: “DNV has already provided Class approval for the first ammonia-fueled vessel on water, the Fortescue Green Pioneer, as well as issued Approval in Principle for Pherousa’s innovative zero-emissions Ultramax design. We are pleased to now take further steps together with Pherousa and its technology partners to pilot their innovative, green solutions. Ammonia cracking combined with a PEM Fuel Cell has no need for pilot fuel or other fossil sources and will allow 100% carbon-free operations – we are delighted to share our insights and experience and work together on this pilot project!”
Hans Bredrup, Chairman of Pherousa AS: “I am pleased to highlight the significant progress and achievements of our technology, steering into the Marine Pilot Program, which is the last step towards full commercialization of our efficient ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology. The continued operation of the Ultramax project further underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the maritime industry, by shaping the future of shipping. We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication from our collaborators and look forward to this next and exciting phase of Pherousa.”
Christer Wikner, CEO of Metacon Group: “What we are doing in this transformational project could have implications for large parts of the entire future maritime shipping industry. A powerful group of technology and industry stakeholders are now coming together around a new clean propulsion technology based on ammonia as fuel towards completely carbon-free sea transport. We are proud to support Pherousa in this innovative and important initiative.”