Samsung Heavy joins US, South Korean companies on ammonia-to-power project

South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries is partnering with US-headquartered ammonia-to-power technology developer Amogy and South Korean maritime hydrogen fuel cells specialists Vinssen on a project to develop and bring to market a modular ammonia-based system to power ships.

The three companies have signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement to develop and commercialise the ammonia-to-power pack. 

"The system is designed to replace conventional marine diesel generators. It converts ammonia into hydrogen, which powers proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to produce electricity without combustion," a statement on the initiative from Vinssen said. 

The conversion process from ammonia to hydrogen would happen within the onboard system, the company said, allowing large vessels to generate electricity without emitting carbon dioxide.

As for its ability to replace conventional, diesel-powered marine generators, Vinssen said "the system is designed to have dimensions comparable to existing marine engines, allowing installation on the ocean-going large cargo ships with minimal modifications to ship design".

Vinssen CEO Lee Chil-Han called the project "a significant step toward transitioning the maritime industry from internal combustion engines to fuel cell-based electric propulsion."

In 2025, major marine engine designers recorded successes on the development of the first two-stroke ammonia dual-fuel engines, with WinGD reporting in July the installation of its X52DF-A engine on a midsize LPG/ammonia carrier for Exmar. 

Everllence, meanwhile, said it is on schedule to deliver its first ammonia engine in Q1 2026.

And in early 2026, Wärtsilä said it will supply an ammonia dual-fuel propulsion package for a Norwegian timber-carrying cargo ship that is currently under construction in China. Due for delivery in Q2 2027, the newbuild will be equipped with a 160-m3 ammonia tank, and use marine gasoil as pilot fuel, providing enough fuel for a 14-day round trip from Norway to Europe.

The European engine designers logged thousands of hours and undertook hundreds of tests in realising their engine breakthroughs.