The Hi-EFECTS (High Efficiency Flexible Electrofuel Conversion for Transportation at Sea) project is part of the Nordic Grand Solutions Programme, funded by Nordic Energy Research. It aims to accelerate maritime decarbonization by developing new knowledge and technologies for using ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen in marine engines.
This ambitious project is a collaboration between leading universities and industry partners, each contributing expertise across experimental combustion, numerical modeling, engine integration, safety, sustainability, and policy. Below is an overview of our partners and their contributions:
The research strategy of the Hi- EFECTS project is to combine advanced combustion experiments with high-fidelity numerical modeling to explore the detailed use of ammonia and methanol in marine engines to provide a route to net-zero carbon use of these fuels in marine engines. At Aalto University in Finland, Professor Ossi Kaario and part of his research team are working on WP-1 of this project. The main focus of this work package is the experimental development of a fuel-adaptive compression ignition engine concept for ammonia/methanol fuels. The team is also actively involved in various tasks related to advanced modeling to adapt these fuels for use in marine engines (WP-2).
NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology
At NTNU we have been examining combustion of alternative fuels for a number of years. Our focus is on combining experimental results with numerical results- usually combustion kinetics- to give a greater insight into emission formation and possible methods to optimize the combustion. The work covers what can be best described as applied fundamental research- with a focus on internal combustion engines being one “applied” area of focus. Work is conducted across two departments, The Marine Technology Department and the Energy and Process Technology Department- bringing together a wide a mixed discipline group. The research at NTNU will be overseen by Dr. David Emberson and will focus on the spray and ignition processes of dual fuel injection system as part of the fuel-adaptive compression ignition engine concept.
Lund University contributes to Hi-EFECTS through its advanced research in combustion science, reaction kinetics, and diagnostics. Their expertise enhances the project’s capacity to understand fuel ignition properties, pollutant formation, and combustion behavior of ammonia and methanol under marine engine conditions.
World Maritime University (WMU) is a postgraduate maritime university established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Based in Malmö, Sweden, WMU specializes in education, research, and capacity building for sustainable maritime development. In HI-EFECTS, WMU leads Work Package 3 (WP3) focusing on sustainability assessment and policy advice. The team applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Social LCA, and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to support evidence-based maritime decarbonization strategies.
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to innovation, the company provides advanced engine systems, fuel technologies, and digital solutions that support the maritime industry’s transition to low- and zero-carbon operations. Wärtsilä works closely with shipowners, shipyards, and regulators worldwide to enable more sustainable, safe, and efficient shipping.
Stolt Tankers B.V. is one of the world’s leading operators of chemical tankers, with a global fleet serving major industrial customers. With decades of experience in complex cargo operations, safety, and sustainability, Stolt Tankers brings valuable real-world knowledge to the Hi-EFECTS project. Their involvement ensures that research outcomes are grounded in operational feasibility and aligned with the evolving needs of the maritime transport industry.
