The German research initiative CF08_1, part of the larger CAMPFIRE programme, set out to demonstrate the feasibility of an ammonia‑powered inland vessel for emissions‑free line service. The core objective was to retrofit a commercial ship with an ammonia combustion system, including all necessary storage, safety and peripheral equipment, and to evaluate the system’s operational performance. The project was carried out by Tamsen Maritim GmbH in close cooperation with technical partners DNV and GDWS, under the financial support of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, grant code 03WIR2310F). The programme ran from 1 August 2021 to 31 January 2024, with the project leader Dipl‑Ing. Jörg Wicklein overseeing the work.

The technical work began with a detailed survey of the engine room of the tank ship TMS Odin, which was chosen as the prototype after the originally planned passenger ferry BREITLING was deemed unsuitable for safety reasons. A comprehensive 3‑D model of the vessel’s internal layout was produced, revealing that additional space was required for the ammonia bunkers and associated systems. In response, a disc‑shaped extension module was designed to fit between the cargo tank compartment and the aft hull. This module creates dedicated rooms for the ammonia tanks, gas‑treatment equipment, battery storage, and an enlarged engine room, thereby accommodating the full propulsion system while maintaining ship stability and safety.

Detailed integration plans were developed for the propulsion, storage, safety and peripheral subsystems. A Hazardous Area Plan was drafted to ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations, addressing the handling of ammonia, a toxic and flammable substance. The milestone M08_1.6.2, reached after twelve months of work, documented the successful integration of all required components into the functional model, complete with illustrative drawings of the modified spaces and equipment layout. Although specific performance metrics such as power output or fuel consumption were not reported in the brief, the milestone confirms that the conceptual design and spatial integration have been achieved, laying the groundwork for subsequent testing and optimisation.

The collaboration structure involved Tamsen Maritim’s extensive ship‑building expertise, particularly in special vessels such as mega‑yachts and marine work ships. The yard, covering 70 000 m² and equipped with five halls up to 90 m long and 25 m high, houses a 1 500‑t crane and Europe’s largest 5‑axis CNC milling machine. These facilities enabled the precise fabrication of the disc module and other custom components. DNV and GDWS contributed specialist knowledge in safety certification and design validation, ensuring that the ammonia system met international maritime standards. The partnership model allowed for iterative design reviews and risk assessments throughout the project lifecycle.

Following the completion of CF08_1, the research will continue under the subsequent CF08_5 project, “Further development of the retrofit concept for an ammonia‑powered inland vessel.” This continuation aims to refine the design, conduct performance trials, and explore scalability to larger fleets. The overall effort demonstrates a significant step toward integrating ammonia as a viable marine fuel, potentially reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions from inland shipping and contributing to the broader transition to cleaner maritime energy solutions.