Umoe MEGCs, Type 4 Tanks Advance Finnish Green H2 Project

Why It Matters

The achievement proves that low‑cost, corrosion‑resistant composite tanks can safely handle ammonia, accelerating the maritime industry's shift to carbon‑free fuels and supporting EU climate targets.

Key Takeaways

• Connova delivered 1 m³ Type 4 composite ammonia tanks for NH3Craft.
• Tanks hold ~680 kg ammonia at 18 bar, 70% energy density of fuel.
• Glass‑fiber laminate provides corrosion resistance in salt‑water environments.
• Multi‑material design cuts tooling costs and simplifies production.
• Successful tests validate composite tanks for zero‑emission shipping.

Pulse Analysis

Ammonia is emerging as a leading candidate for decarbonising maritime transport because it can be produced from renewable electricity, hydrogen and nitrogen, and burned without emitting carbon dioxide. The EU’s NH3Craft consortium, launched in 2022, brings together 13 partners to prove that ammonia can replace heavy fuel oil in ship engines. By focusing on a fuel that stores easily and combusts cleanly, the project aligns with Europe’s Green Deal objectives and addresses growing regulatory pressure on emissions from the shipping sector.

The technical breakthrough comes from Connova Deutschland’s Type 4 composite pressure‑vessel tanks. Using a rotationally molded liner as a permanent mandrel, the design eliminates complex tooling and reduces manufacturing costs—a critical factor for the cost‑sensitive maritime market. A glass‑fiber filament‑wound shell provides the required 5 MPa compressive strength and long‑term leak tightness, while also offering superior resistance to salt‑water corrosion. Each one‑cubic‑metre tank holds about 680 kg of liquid ammonia at 18 bar, delivering roughly 70% of the energy density of traditional fossil fuels, which makes it a practical substitute for existing fuel storage volumes.

The successful testing of these tanks signals a pivotal moment for green shipping. With proven composite solutions, shipbuilders can integrate ammonia storage without extensive redesigns or prohibitive costs, paving the way for commercial vessels to adopt zero‑emission propulsion. As regulators tighten emissions standards and investors seek sustainable logistics, the NH3Craft results could catalyse broader industry adoption, stimulate supply‑chain investments in ammonia production, and accelerate the transition toward a carbon‑neutral maritime future.