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 of the future. The goal of the project is to lay the groundwork for the safe, efficient, and long-lasting use of NH₃ engines. The focus is on developing innovative materials and coatings for highly stressed engine components, new testing methods to analyze the interactions between ammonia, materials, and lubricants, and investigating the effects of NH₃ operation on exhaust aftertreatment systems. Based on these investigations, which are to be automated, AI-supported models will be developed to predict damage mechanisms and service lives. The insights gained are intended to contribute to providing reliable and sustainable technologies for the climate-neutral shipping of the future.

As a partner in the project, LKV focuses on the following issues:

Innovative testing methods for NH₃ interaction with components and lubricants

This research involves the development and validation of new laboratory test methods for wear and corrosion testing of component materials and coatings in an NH3 atmosphere, as well as in contact with NH3-contaminated lubricants, and the acquisition of insights into the resulting interactions. A key focus here is, among other things, the realistic simulation of changes in lubricating oil during NH3 operation.

Effects of NH3 operation on exhaust aftertreatment components

The objective of this research objective is to develop customized catalysts with optimized structure and material composition for efficient exhaust aftertreatment (reduction of pollutants) in large marine engines operated with NH3. The aim is to identify and implement potential improvements by investigating activity, selectivity, long-term stability, structure-activity relationships, reaction mechanisms, and deactivation processes in various laboratory measurement systems, a synthesis gas laboratory, an engine test bench, and using data-driven (machine learning) models. In addition, the project aims to conduct a systematic assessment of emissions with regard to their potential for harming the climate and human health.

Furthermore, the LKV is responsible for the scientific and technical coordination among the partners in the collaborative project.

Funding Body:

Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, ERDF, LFI/PTJ

Project Duration:

01.04.2026 – 31.03.2029

Responsible Employees (LKV)

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bert Buchholz

Dr. Ulrike Schümann

M.Sc. Tanja van Alphen

M.Sc. Richard Tröltzsch

M.Sc. Uwe Etzien

M.Sc. Frithjof Bauer

Funding amount: 3.5 million euros

Project partners:

• Lehrstuhl für Kolbenmaschinen und Verbrennungsmotoren (LKV) – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bert Buchholz (Projektkoordinator)
• Lehrstuhl für Werkstofftechnik – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Olaf Keßler
• Lehrstuhl für Analytische Chemie und Umweltchemie – Prof. Dr. Ralf Zimmermann
• Lehrstuhl für Fügetechnik– Prof. Dr.-Ing. Knuth-Michael Henkel
• Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e. V., Katalytische Verfahren - Dr. Udo Armbruster
• Lehrstuhl für Data-Driven Analysis and Design of Materials - Prof. Dr. Berit Zeller-Plumhoff
• Fraunhofer-Institut für Großstrukturen in der Produktionstechnik IGP - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilko Flügge
• Leibniz-Institut für Plasmaforschung und Technologie e. V., Oberflächen & Technologien - Dr. Alexander Vahl

Industrial Advisory Board

Umicore

Deutsche Ölwerke Lubmin GmbH

WTZ Roßlau gGmbH

DUAP

Everllence

GenSys GmbH MV

NABU

Boll & Kirch Filterbau GmbH