Maersk Tankers' Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC) modernization project named Ripple has received funding from the European Innovation Fund. This project, recognized as the first of its kind, is designed to retrofit these tankers for the use of ammonia as marine fuel.
Details of the Ripple Project
The proposal submitted to the EU fund includes the modernization of ocean-going vessels. The goal of the Ripple project is to equip these tankers with two-stroke ammonia dual-fuel engines, marking the first retrofit of this type in the EU for VLACs. Maersk Tankers has stated that this project will demonstrate the commercial viability of ammonia-based operations.
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Maersk Tankers plans to retrofit four of its VLACs and has announced that using this fuel, these retrofitted tankers will reduce over 1.2 million tons of CO2e over 10 years.
Funding and Next Steps
The European Innovation Fund has selected the Ripple project as part of 77 other projects considered for funding. The latest funding round for this fund commenced in December 2025 and, according to the European Commission, will include €3.4 billion for investment. These projects must reach final agreements for funding, and this process is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
Maersk Tankers has also received two tankers from its fleet of 10 VLACs. The first vessel, Jane Maersk, with a capacity of 93,000 cubic meters, was delivered in July. The second vessel, Jessie Maersk, was delivered to the company on October 21, and deliveries will continue until September 2028.
HD Hyundai Samho has emphasized that using ammonia as fuel requires advanced systems in the hull and discharge compared to conventional LPG tankers. This yard is recognized as an emerging sector in the industry and currently has a backlog of projects worth $2.55 billion.
Maersk Tankers has stated that this project will assist them in their path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the continuation of retrofits will depend on the fulfillment of commercial commitments from customers.
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