Duiker Clean Technologies Launches AMMONEX Pilot in Rotterdam: A Milestone for Carbon-Free Hydrogen Logistics
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — Duiker Clean Technologies has formally secured a site at Plant One in the Port of Rotterdam for its AMMONEX pilot plant, marking a critical advancement in the European maritime energy transition. The project focuses on cracking green ammonia into high-purity hydrogen, providing a scalable solution for carbon-free energy imports.
The Missing Link in Hydrogen Logistics
While green hydrogen is hailed as the "holy grail" of zero-emission fuels, its low energy density makes long-distance transport notoriously difficult and expensive. Ammonia NH3 has emerged as the leading solution, acting as a "liquid battery" that can be easily transported using existing global shipping infrastructure. However, the final step—cracking that ammonia back into high-purity hydrogen at the destination port—has historically been energy-intensive and inefficient.
Duiker’s AMMONEX system aims to solve this "last mile" problem. By leveraging over 50 years of expertise in combustion technology, Duiker has developed a proprietary Ammonia Cracking Reactor (ACR). Unlike traditional crackers that suffer from high "ammonia slip" or low durability, AMMONEX uses Stoichiometric Controlled Oxidation (SCO) to generate the heat required for the reaction without emitting CO₂ or harmful levels of NOx.
A Port-Wide Innovation Showcase
The selection of Plant One—Rotterdam's premier testbed for sustainable process technology—is a strategic masterstroke. It places Duiker at the heart of an ecosystem that includes:
- The National Hydrogen Network: Directly connecting to Gasunie’s emerging 1,200km pipeline backbone.
- Bunkering Readiness: Synergising with Rotterdam’s recent successful ammonia ship-to-ship bunkering pilots (achieving Port Readiness Level 7).
- Industrial Synergy: Proximity to major off-takers in the chemical and refining sectors who are under increasing pressure from FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS to decarbonize.
With the Final Investment Decision (FID) reached in early 2025 and construction now underway, the maritime industry is watching closely. If successful, this technology could unlock the feasibility of massive hydrogen imports from sun-drenched regions like North Africa or the Middle East, feeding the energy needs of European ports and the vessels that call on them.
📊 Key Insight Data
- Technology Name: AMMONEX (Ammonia Cracking Reactor) 🏗️
- Location: Plant One, Port of Rotterdam 🇳🇱 ⚓
- Target Efficiency: >90% Conversion Rate 📈
- Carbon Footprint: Zero Scope 1 CO₂ Emissions 🚫💨
- Funding Support: €4.38M (GroenvermogenNL + EU Just Transition Fund) 🇪🇺 💰
- Key Timeline: FID (Early 2025) ➡️ Site Secured (Feb 2026) ➡️ Test Results (2027) ⏳
- Primary Fuel Carrier: Green Ammonia NH3 🔋🧪
- End Product: High-Purity Green Hydrogen H2 💧⚡
