Ammonia Engines Ready for Market – But Is the World Ready for Ammonia?
In early December 2025, the CIMAC Circle at Marintec 2025 hosted a dedicated session in the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, exploring whether the world is truly ready for ammonia-powered shipping. The discussion focused on the readiness of ammonia engines, infrastructure and supply chain challenges, and the uncertainties surrounding regulation and market adoption.
Professor Lei Zhu of Shanghai Jiao Tong University opened the session with a keynote, an overview of ammonia’s role in maritime decarbonization. Topics included deployment timelines, engine innovation, retrofit potential, safety and training requirements, and the latest regulatory developments from the International Maritime Organization.'
Moderated by Christoph Rofka, Accelleron & VP Communication in the CIMAC Board, the panel featured leading voices from across the industry:
- Dong JingJin – WinGD Ltd. (Ammonia Program Lead, China)
- Frank Yu – Envision Energy (Green Ammonia Supply Chain)
- Toru Motoda – IHI Corporation Power Systems (Marine Power System Business Division)
- Yoshishige Sakai – Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Heavy Industries (Hydrogen Engine Innovation)
- Bo Cerup-Simonsen – Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping Møller Center (Strategic and Regulatory Pathways)
The session underscored both the opportunities and the hurdles ahead as the industry moves toward ammonia-powered shipping “It was great pleasure to moderate the CIMAC panel at Marintec. The strong engagement and positive attitude of the participants restrengthened confidence that we will make it towards Net-Zero despite recent headwinds. Thanks to all – a real highlight” summarized Christoph Rofka the event.
