Maersk Tankers’ plan to equip its new Very Large Ammonia Carriers with ammonia-fuel capability has advanced after its RIPPLE retrofit project was selected for EU Innovation Fund funding. A company statement published by Hellenic Shipping News said the funding remains subject to finalisation of the grant agreement, while proceeding with the vessel conversions will require commercial commitments from customers.
The proposed work would install dual-fuel engines, allowing the ships to consume ammonia as marine fuel. Maersk Tankers said the aim is to lower emissions from vessel operations. The announcement therefore marks progress towards a potential conversion programme, rather than confirmation that the retrofits will go ahead. It did not specify the funding amount, the cost of the work or a timetable for completion.
The project sits alongside a fleet expansion involving ten Very Large Ammonia and Gas Carriers, described as VLAC/VLGCs. Designed to carry both liquefied petroleum gas and ammonia, the vessels also have an option for a future dual-fuel engine retrofit. Their cargo-carrying role and the proposed change to their propulsion are distinct: the ability to transport ammonia does not itself mean they will use it as fuel.
Maersk Tankers also announced the naming of Jessie Mærsk in Mokpo, South Korea. The ship is the second in the ten-vessel series. The company acknowledged the contribution of HD Hyundai Samho and its own personnel to the milestone, and said it looked forward to the vessel entering its fleet.
According to the statement carried by Hellenic Shipping News, the newbuildings form part of Maersk Tankers’ return to gas shipping. The company sees the series as a way to serve current LPG and ammonia transport demand while retaining the option to adopt ammonia propulsion later. For now, that fuel transition remains conditional on both the grant agreement and customer backing.