Posted on June 2, 2025
𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 – 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬
Hydrogen and fuel cells can enable zero-emission ship operations, but their sailing range is limited. Alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol and methane offer a much greater range, but they rely on combustion engines and therefore emit nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM).
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 – 𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐨-𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞?
Fuel reforming is a process that converts fuels such as ammonia, methanol and methane into hydrogen, which can then be used in fuel cells to power vessels. This conversion typically takes place within a dedicated unit, known as a fuel reformer or cracker. The overall efficiency of a fuel cell system combined with a reformer is comparable to that of a combustion engine – but without the harmful NOx, SOx and PM emissions.
Although this technology is still new in the maritime sector, several pioneering projects are already underway. For example, a tugboat equipped with an ammonia cracker is currently in operation, and both a yacht and a towboat with methanol reformers are under construction.
At Royal IHC, we have developed a concept design for a dredger that integrates methanol storage, reformers, and fuel cells. This innovative design enables long-range sailing with net-zero-emissions. Our concept vessel, developed as part of the collaborative SH2IPDRIVE project, reflects our commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.
