Aim of the project:

To achieve emission-free shipping by 2050, fossil fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel oil must be replaced with alternatives. Ammonia is a hydrogen carrier and a future marine fuel that can be produced, handled, and transported in large quantities.

The objective of this project is to investigate the effects of combustion and exhaust gases from ammonia-fuelled engines on lubricating oils and to draw conclusions for the pre-selection of oil components and, where applicable, coatings for the materials used. Based on the insights gained into the impact of NH₃-containing combustion and exhaust gases on engine oil, the aim is to enable a targeted pre-selection of suitable components for developing optimal oil formulations, as well as surface treatments and coatings for engine and plant materials.

Key objectives include preserving the performance and long-term stability of lubricating oils, preventing corrosion and deposit formation on engine components, and maintaining low CO₂ emissions from the propulsion system. Sustainability considerations in the selection and use of oils and additives are also central to the project’s approach.

Funding organisation: BMFTR/PtJ

Project duration: 01.01.2026 – 31.12.2026

Funding volume: 245.364,91 €

Project team:

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bert Buchholz
• Prof. Dr. Udo Kragl
• Dr. Ulrike Schümann
• M.Sc. Svea Hoffgaard

Project partners:

• Lehrstuhl für Kolbenmaschinen und Verbrennungsmotoren (LKV) – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bert Buchholz (Projektleiter)
• Lehrstuhl für Technische Chemie (TC) – Prof. Dr. Udo Kragl

associated partners:

• Fuchs Lubricants Germany
• Liebherr -Components Deggendorf | Liebherr Motoren Bulle SA
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology / Institut für Kolbenmaschinen
• GasKraft Engineering
• Leibniz-Institut für Plasmaforschung und Technology e.V. (INP)