A bulk carrier is to be converted to run on next-generation fuels under an EU-sponsored initiative aimed at accelerating international shipping’s decarbonisation. The EUR17m ($18.2m) GAMMA collaborative project, named in reference to usage of ‘green’ ammonia and (bio)methanol, will see a 62,000dwt Ultramax bulker retrofitted with new technologies.

Launched in January this year with a five-year timescale, GAMMA entails the development and demonstration of an innovative, electrofuel-based system with the potential to supersede the ship’s auxiliary generators. After proof of concept, the next step would be replacement of the main engine so as to realise the ultimate goal of a comprehensive energy transition.

The demonstration campaign will validate the safe shipboard integration of the biomethanol and ammonia fuels, and the biomethanol reformer, ammonia cracker and proton exchange membrane (PEM)-type fuel cell systems that will convert the hydrogen produced into electricity.