Metacon Receives Approvals in Principle for Ammonia Cracking Technology for Ships

Metacon, a Swedish manufacturer of energy systems, has received two initial approvals in principle (AiP) for its ammonia cracking technology for use onboard ships through its shareholding in Norwegian technology transfer company Pherousa.

The technology, exclusively licensed to Pherousa, has secured AiPs from classification societies American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and DNV based on an independent evaluation.

The AiPs come without any show-stopper conditions, confirming the viability and safety of Pherousa’s ammonia cracking technology for use onboard ships with PEM fuel cells and fuel gas supply systems, enabling fully electrical propulsion.

Metacon views this milestone as a significant advancement in developing sustainable emission-free propulsion solutions for the maritime industry.

Partnerships and Goals

Key partners involved in obtaining the two AiPs include ship designer Deltamarin, flag state Marshall Islands, FGSS supplier Babcock International, and Metacon.

Pherousa holds an exclusive license to Metacon’s ammonia cracking technology for maritime use, with the goal of transitioning to fossil-free and zero-emission propulsion in the maritime transport sectors.

Unlike conventional fuels, ammonia is a non-explosive liquid that contains clean hydrogen energy, offering a potential solution for carbon-free maritime transportation.

“Ammonia is gaining momentum as a hydrogen carrier for technology application onboard vessels, and clean ammonia could make up about 13 percent of the global supply by 2030,” said Hans Bredrup, Chairman of Pherousa AS.

Zero-Emission Vessels

Pherousa subsidiary, Pherousa Shipping, has collaborated with major copper miners to design Ultramax 64,000 dwt vessels for emission-free transportation of copper concentrates.

The vessels are scheduled to comply with the new IMO regulation in 2030, enabling the cargo industry to use fully emission-free vessels for transporting goods across oceans.

Ammonia Cracking Technology

Metacon’s patented ammonia cracking HIWAR-based reactor efficiently converts ammonia into high-quality hydrogen fuel, offering a significant leap forward in sustainable maritime energy.

The technology can be applied to various propulsion systems, including fuel cells, internal combustion engines, and auxiliary engines, providing 100% emission-free propulsion.

“Ammonia remains the only CO2-free solution for deep-sea shipping decarbonization, with both fuel cell and combustion engine options for marine drive trains,” highlighted Christer Wikner, President & CEO of Metacon.

Future Collaboration

In January 2025, Metacon increased its stake in Pherousa to approximately 35% and signed a license agreement for the ammonia cracking technology for ships.

The partnership between Metacon and Pherousa aims to drive the commercialization of ammonia cracking technology and accelerate the transition to sustainable maritime propulsion.