Tripartite collab to develop 1 MW ammonia-to-power system for low- and zero-carbon vessels

January 28, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

A tripartite collaboration has been launched to develop and commercialize a 1 MW-class ammonia-to-power system for vessels, designed to replace conventional marine diesel generators as it converts ammonia into hydrogen, which powers proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to produce electricity without combustion.

The joint development project (JDP) has been established by South Korea-based VINSSEN, a maritime specialist in hydrogen fuel cells and integrated system solutions, South Korean shipbuilding major Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), and U.S. ammonia-to-power solutions provider Amogy.

The system converts ammonia into hydrogen onboard, allowing large vessels to generate electricity efficiently without emitting CO2, the partners said.

The project aims to support stricter environmental regulations under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and advance a Next-Generation Product (NGP), tentative name, for future low- and zero-carbon vessels.

According to the companies, the NGP is designed to have dimensions comparable to existing marine engines, allowing installation on large ocean-going cargo ships with minimal modifications to ship design.

“This collaboration is a significant step toward transitioning the maritime industry from internal combustion engines to fuel cell-based electric propulsion. VINSSEN’s expertise in marine hydrogen fuel cells will help deliver a high-performance, zero-carbon power solution for large vessels, contributing to the global shift toward sustainable shipping,” said Lee Chil-Han, Chief Executive Officer of VINSSEN.

Of note, in November 2025, Amogy and Samsung Heavy Industries signed a multi-year strategic contract for the manufacturing of Amogy’s ammonia-to-power systems.

Under the agreement, Samsung Heavy Industries plans to establish a facility in South Korea to produce and test Amogy’s systems, beginning with those required for Amogy’s pilot project in Pohang in 2026.