A major new research initiative at the National University of Singapore (NUS) aims to accelerate decarbonisation in global shipping through the development of next-generation ammonia-fuelled marine engines with high efficiency and near-zero emissions.
Officially launched on 4 February 2026, the project is led by the NUS Centre for Hydrogen Innovations (CHI) with funding from the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) and collaboration from leading academic and industry partners in Singapore and abroad.
It centres on a novel in-cylinder reforming gas recirculation (IRGR) engine concept designed to overcome key limitations that have hindered wider adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
Associate Professor Yang Wenming from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NUS, who leads the project as Principal Investigator, said: “Ammonia has been recognised as one of the most promising fuels for achieving near-zero greenhouse gas emissions in marine transportation, but current ammonia engines face significant challenges in efficiency and emissions.
“The IRGR concept is designed to address these limitations by improving combustion efficiency while sharply reducing unburned ammonia and other pollutants.”
Dr Zhou Xinyi, Senior Research Fellow at NUS, stated: “The project will be based in a dedicated laboratory on the CDE campus, featuring an engine test room, control room and facilities for fundamental combustion and systems research.”
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Beyond technical development, the initiative aims to strengthen Singapore’s position as a hub for maritime innovation and sustainable shipping technologies by anchoring advanced engine research within a broader ecosystem of industry collaboration and talent development.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Silvija Gradecak, Vice Dean (Research and Technology) at CDE, described the IRGR Ammonia Engine Project as a key milestone in maritime decarbonisation.
She said: “Marine transportation is central to global trade, yet it remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. Through this project, the team aims to develop and demonstrate the world’s first prototype engine based on the IRGR concept, paving the way for the practical adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.”
Global shipping accounts for roughly 3 per cent of global carbon emissions and faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint in line with international net-zero targets.
While ammonia produces no carbon dioxide at the point of combustion and is easier to store and transport than hydrogen, challenges remain around thermal efficiency, combustion stability and pollutant emissions, which are barriers to commercial deployment.
Professor Li Tie from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a key academic partner, said: “The International Maritime Organization’s net-zero emissions target must be achieved by 2050, and the time left is very short. This goal cannot be realised by any single institution or country. It requires disruptive technologies and strong international cooperation, and the IRGR project reflects exactly that kind of collaboration.”
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The consortium includes partners from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanyang Technological University, the A*STAR National Metrology Centre, and Keppel Energy Nexus, alongside industry leaders Daihatsu and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
Their involvement ensures the research remains aligned with practical engineering, safety, certification, and commercial requirements.
The launch event at NUS was attended by government, industry and academic leaders, including representatives from SMI, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Daihatsu and ABS. Research collaboration agreements were signed between NUS and both Daihatsu and ABS.
Professor Lee Poh Seng, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, stated: “This project is not merely the start of another research programme, but a deliberate step into one of the hardest and most consequential engineering challenges in the energy transition.
“Decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like shipping requires technologies that can be validated, scaled and trusted in real-world operations.”
The three-year project will focus on scalable engine concepts capable of supporting the future deployment of low- and zero-emissions vessels worldwide.
For more information:
National University of Singapore – https://nus.edu.sg/
