Revolutionizing Shipping: GAMMA Project Launches Zero-Emission Initiative
A groundbreaking initiative funded by €17 million through Horizon Europe aims to transform deep-sea shipping with hydrogen-based fuel cells and climate-neutral fuels. The five-year GAMMA project, led by Icelandic engineering firm Verkís, unites a consortium of 16 European innovators to retrofit a 60,000 DWT bulk carrier into a testbed for green shipping technologies. This project seeks to enable zero-emission operations for large ocean-going vessels, marking a significant step towards sustainable maritime practices.
A Landmark Project for Maritime Decarbonisation
The GAMMA project, which stands for Green Ammonia and Biomethanol fuel Maritime Vessels, is set to revolutionize the shipping industry by retrofitting a bulk carrier from TOPIC Fleet. This ambitious initiative will replace traditional fossil fuel generators with hydrogen-powered fuel cell systems, showcasing the potential of green shipping technologies. PowerCell Group will contribute a 1 MW-class fuel cell power system, allowing the vessel to generate electricity using hydrogen derived from green methanol and ammonia.
By integrating this innovative system into the ship’s auxiliary power architecture, the project aims to validate real-world performance, safety, durability, and system integration under the demanding conditions of deep-sea navigation. Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “GAMMA allows us to move beyond theoretical studies and demonstrate how fuel cells, hydrogen carriers, and onboard reforming can work together in a commercial vessel.” This operational experience is crucial for reducing risks associated with technology adoption and facilitating large-scale deployment in the maritime sector.
The Potential of Hydrogen Fuel Cells to Transform Shipping
While battery technology serves well for short-range maritime applications, it falls short of meeting the endurance and energy needs of deep-sea shipping. Hydrogen fuel cells, along with hydrogen carriers like methanol and ammonia, present a scalable solution for achieving zero-emission auxiliary power and, eventually, main propulsion. The GAMMA project will gather essential operational data on system efficiency, reliability, safety, maintenance, and integration, which will be invaluable for shaping future regulatory frameworks and commercial investments.
This data will provide shipowners, yards, and regulators with the confidence needed to embrace green shipping solutions. Demonstration projects like GAMMA are critical in an industry where vessels are expected to operate for decades. Real-world testing allows stakeholders to gain hands-on experience with fuel cell systems and hydrogen carriers, helping to de-risk technology adoption and accelerate broader implementation in the shipping sector.
Reports Examine Readiness of Emerging Alternative Fuel Options
As shipping currently accounts for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, decarbonizing this industry is essential for meeting global climate targets and ensuring sustainable trade practices. Projects like GAMMA are paving the way for the transition to climate-neutral shipping, demonstrating the viability of green technologies in large-scale operational vessels. With this initiative, the maritime industry is taking a significant leap toward achieving operationally viable, climate-neutral vessels.
