Innovative Component Materials and Concepts for NH₃-Powered Marine Engines – “INNO-COMP NH3 Shipping”

A collaborative project within the framework of application-oriented excellence research, funded by the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Status: ongoing

Project Objective
The maritime energy transition requires the rapid introduction and widespread adoption of climate-neutral fuels. Ammonia (NH₃) is considered a promising hydrogen-based, carbon-free energy carrier for the future.
The aim of the project is to establish the foundations for the safe, efficient and durable use of NH₃-powered engines. The project focuses on the development of innovative materials and coatings for highly stressed engine components, new testing methods for analysing interactions between ammonia, materials and lubricants, as well as investigating the effects of NH₃ operation on exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
Based on these investigations, which are to be automated, AI-supported models will be developed to predict damage mechanisms and component service life. The findings are intended to contribute to the development of reliable and sustainable technologies for the climate-neutral shipping of the future.

Within Research Area I – Innovative Materials and Coatings for NH₃ Engines, INP contributes its expertise in plasma technology to develop tailor-made coatings for injection nozzles. Particular consideration is given to the requirements regarding coating hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance and wear during operation in an NH₃ environment under the expected pressures and temperatures.

Initially, three different material concepts will be screened using wear tests in order to identify suitable coating materials. In addition to diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, chemically inert high-entropy alloys and titanium nitride will also be investigated.

More information is available on the INNO-COMP NH3 Shipping website:
https://www.inno-comp-nh3-shipping.uni-rostock.de/

Funding Organisation
Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern; European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); LFI / PTJ

Project Duration
1 April 2026 – 31 March 2029

INP Project Team
Dr Alexander Vahl
Dr Jan Wallis
Dr Antje Quade
Dr David Rettke

Funding Volume
€3.5 million

Project Partners

Chair of Piston Machines and Internal Combustion Engines (LKV) – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bert Buchholz (Project Coordinator)
Chair of Materials Engineering – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Olaf Keßler
Chair of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry – Prof. Dr Ralf Zimmermann
Chair of Joining Technology – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Knuth-Michael Henkel
Leibniz Institute for Catalysis e. V., Catalytic Processes – Dr Udo Armbruster
Chair of Data-Driven Analysis and Design of Materials – Prof. Dr Berit Zeller-Plumhoff
Fraunhofer Institute for Large Structures in Production Engineering IGP – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilko Flügge
Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology e. V., Surfaces & Technologies – Dr Alexander Vahl

Industrial Advisory Board