Ammonia Carrier Project Wins EU Innovation Funding
The RIPPLE project plans to retrofit four ships to cut carbon emissions over the next decade.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The European Commission has selected the RIPPLE project from Maersk Tankers to receive funding under its Innovation Fund. This initiative aims to retrofit four very large ammonia carriers with dual-fuel engines to reduce shipping emissions.
Why it matters
By adopting two-stroke dual-fuel engines, the project seeks to significantly lower the carbon footprint of maritime logistics, which is essential for meeting broader climate goals for the shipping industry.
The RIPPLE project aims to avoid over 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions over a ten-year period. It is one of 77 initiatives selected for a share of the €3.4 billion in total funding provided by the European Commission.
The players
European Commission
The executive branch of the European Union responsible for awarding innovation grants.
Maersk Tankers
A global tanker company that manages a fleet of very large ammonia carriers.
CINEA
The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency responsible for managing EU funding.
The details
The RIPPLE project focuses on retrofitting four very large ammonia carriers with specialized two-stroke dual-fuel engines. These engines allow the vessels to run on ammonia, a fuel source that produces lower carbon emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. The transition depends on Maersk Tankers finalizing grant agreements with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and securing commercial commitments from shipping customers.
Timeline
- 2026-10-19
European Commission announces the RIPPLE project selection.
- 2026-10-19
Maersk Tankers notes the necessity of commercial customer commitments for the retrofit.
Q1 2027: European Commission expects to finalize the grant agreement process.
The Home Front
This project aligns with the EU Innovation Fund, which prioritizes large-scale decarbonization to meet international climate targets. It marks a significant step in the broader maritime industry trend toward transitioning away from traditional heavy-fuel oil systems.
While this project affects global shipping, it reflects the ongoing energy transition that may eventually influence the cost and carbon impact of imported goods. Readers should note that large-scale infrastructure shifts often take years to impact consumer pricing.
The takeaway
The RIPPLE project demonstrates how major shipping fleets are testing new propulsion technology to lower long-term environmental impacts. Tracking these industry-wide shifts can provide context for long-term trends in global transport costs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in alternative propulsion and sustainable transport in our Electric Vehicles section.
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