Ammonia’s potential as a zero-carbon marine fuel is set to be explored under Project FASTMOVE, a feasibility study led by Ricardo in partnership with Brunel University of London and the Port of Cromarty Firth.
Funded by the UK Department for Transport’s UK SHORE programme, the project will investigate how ammonia could support maritime decarbonisation and lay the groundwork for next-generation combustion engine concepts.
Exploring Ammonia for Decarbonisation
The study will focus on evaluating the use of four-stroke ammonia-fuelled marine engines in offshore support vessels. By advancing understanding of high-pressure dual-fuel ammonia combustion, Project FASTMOVE aims to develop a new combustion system that maximises ammonia substitution rates while minimising pollutant emissions.
In addition, the project will examine port and vessel safety considerations for ammonia storage and fuelling, positioning the UK as a frontrunner in maritime innovation.
Brunel University will provide laboratory-based research on spray characterisation and combustion modelling, Ricardo will apply its expertise in combustion engines and maritime systems, and the Port of Cromarty Firth will assess safety requirements for fuel storage and handling.
Industry Perspectives and Collaboration
Stakeholders across the consortium have highlighted the importance of this initiative for both sustainability and industrial leadership.
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James Lovett, Innovation Lead for Future Maritime Technologies at Innovate UK, praised the project as an example of UK maritime industry driving the global energy transition.
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Richard Osborne of Ricardo emphasised the opportunity to assess the practical benefits and challenges of ammonia-fuelled engines in offshore vessels.
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Professor Xinyan Wang of Brunel University noted the institution’s pioneering work in ammonia research and its role in shaping future shipping standards.
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Joanne Allday, Head of Strategy and Business Development at the Port of Cromarty Firth, underscored the importance of establishing safety standards to enable ammonia as a viable future fuel.
Set to conclude in Spring 2026, Project FASTMOVE represents a crucial step in advancing alternative fuels for one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise.
By combining world-class research, engineering expertise, and port safety insights, the initiative could accelerate the adoption of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel, helping the UK lead the global transition towards cleaner shipping.
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Source: RICARDO
