EU-Backed APOLO Initiative Aims to Transform Shipping with Ammonia-to-Hydrogen Technology

Breakthrough in Maritime Decarbonization

The shipping industry is poised for a significant transformation as the APOLO project develops advanced ammonia cracking technologies to enable cleaner maritime fuel alternatives, according to project reports. This European Union-funded initiative aims to address one of transportation’s most challenging decarbonization sectors through innovative hydrogen production methods.

Breakthrough in Maritime Decarbonization
Revolutionary Fuel Supply System
Advanced Membrane Reactor Technology
Dual Application for Marine Power
Market Impact and Regulatory Alignment
Consortium Expertise and Timeline

Revolutionary Fuel Supply System

Sources indicate the project is designing a modular fuel supply system featuring a compact membrane reactor that can serve both internal combustion engines and fuel cells interchangeably. The system reportedly converts ammonia into either an appropriate fuel mixture for thermal engines or pure, fuel cell-grade hydrogen streams for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells., according to recent developments

Analysts suggest this flexibility represents a significant advancement, as the technology can reportedly achieve process efficiencies between 45% and 51%. The project marks the first time, according to reports, that two different power conversion technologies will be built, validated, and compared within the same framework.

Advanced Membrane Reactor Technology

The core innovation centers on ammonia decomposition technology using catalytic membrane reactors. Unlike conventional systems operating at 800-900°C, the APOLO approach reportedly functions at significantly lower temperatures of 400-450°C while maintaining high efficiency.

Project documentation states that palladium membranes with exceptional hydrogen separation capabilities are central to this improvement. These membranes demonstrate an H2/N2 ideal perm-selectivity exceeding 100,000 at 425°C, enabling more energy-efficient operation compared to traditional systems., according to related news

Dual Application for Marine Power

For fuel cell applications, the technology aims to produce hydrogen meeting ISO 14687:2019 purity standards through integrated sorbent polishing. Reports indicate that partners Corvus Energy Fuel Cells and Nuvera will test fuel cells under various pressure conditions to optimize performance.

For combustion engines, the system addresses ammonia’s ignition challenges by generating NH3/H2 mixtures, particularly beneficial during cold starts. The project also explores heat integration where engine exhaust gases provide thermal energy to the decomposition reactor, creating an efficient energy loop.

Market Impact and Regulatory Alignment

The consortium reportedly targets the first 30,000 ships in the market, initially focusing on vessels with 1 to 10 MW propulsion systems. Many upcoming vessels in the next decade are expected to fall in the 3 MW range, making them ideal candidates for ammonia-powered solutions.

Through Bureau Veritas, the project aims to suggest amendments to EU and International Maritime Organization regulations governing ammonia use in maritime applications. Additionally, comprehensive techno-economic and lifecycle assessments are being conducted to validate the environmental and commercial viability of the technology.

Consortium Expertise and Timeline

The project brings together specialized partners including H2SITE, Johnson Matthey, Tecnalia, and Eindhoven University of Technology, building on previous EU-funded research through the ARENHA project. Current reports indicate the project remains on schedule in its 21st month, with key component development progressing for membrane reactors, fuel cells, and ammonia engines.

Industry observers suggest the APOLO initiative could play a crucial role in helping the maritime sector achieve decarbonization targets set by FuelEU Maritime, Fitfor55, and the European Green Deal regulations as shipping faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.