Fraunhofer IMM develops system solution for ammonia propulsion in inland shipping

How can renewably produced ammonia be not only stored on board ships, but also safely and energy-efficiently converted into propulsion? This is the question addressed by the AmHyPower joint project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), whose underlying technology the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM is putting at the centre of its exhibit at SMM in Hamburg from September 1-4, 2026, Hall A4, Stand 231. Within the project, Fraunhofer IMM is developing an ammonia cracker that will supply hydrogen, or hydrogen-containing cracked gas, to a gas engine with an output of 200 kW.

AmHyPower addresses a key challenge in the use of alternative fuels: for maritime applications, it is not enough to simply provide a more climate-friendly energy carrier. It must also be safely stored, efficiently used and integrated into existing or future propulsion systems under the specific demands of onboard operation. The project therefore deliberately considers the entire system chain, from fuel storage through to mechanical propulsion output.

Integrating ammonia as a fuel into an overall system

Renewably produced ammonia is considered a particularly interesting energy carrier because it contains no carbon in the fuel itself. At the same time, its use places high demands on safety, storage and system engineering. The project therefore combines development of the propulsion system with a concept for a space-saving, lightweight free-form tank. The aim is to make better use of the available space on board an inland vessel, allowing more fuel to be carried.

As part of the joint project, Fraunhofer IGP, together with other project partners, is developing solutions for a lightweight free-form tank made from fibre composite materials. Key focus areas include the resistance of the materials and adhesive joints to ammonia, as well as the structural safety of the tank.

An integrated approach with broad application potential

AmHyPower follows an integrated development approach in which fuel storage, processing, engine, control systems and safety are treated as a connected whole. This generates insights that go beyond individual components and are relevant both for the further design of ammonia propulsion systems and for their integration into different maritime applications. At the same time, the project lays the groundwork for further questions around technical qualification, approval and standardisation. Individual solution approaches could also be transferred to other application areas going forward, such as ocean-going shipping as well as commercial and rail vehicles.

Fraunhofer IMM at SMM 2026

At SMM, running from September 1-4, 2026, in Hall A4, Stand 231, Fraunhofer IMM is showcasing the different ways ammonia can be used as an energy carrier for maritime and other hard-to-electrify applications. Alongside AmHyPower, the researchers are offering insights into other development approaches from the institute, including the EU project GAMMA, in which ammonia and green methanol are to be converted into hydrogen on board a cargo ship, as well as its collaboration with First Ammonia Motors, in which a combustion engine is run on ammonia, with the hydrogen needed for combustion generated directly on board.

Further project partners include Neptun Ship Design GmbH, BaltiCo GmbH, NORIS Automation GmbH, ScanDiesel GmbH, and Technologie und AnlagenBau (TAB), Engineering- und Managementgesellschaft.