ARISE Project prepares to deploy sensor technologies for ammonia release monitoring

As part of its mission to improve maritime safety in the context of the energy transition, the ARISE project is moving forward with the deployment of detection systems to monitor ammonia behavior during controlled releases at sea. These technologies, tested throughout Work Packages 3 and 4, will play a central role in the upcoming experimental campaigns.

Ammonia is considered a promising alternative fuel for decarbonizing maritime transport, but its use requires robust safety measures and high‑performance monitoring tools. ARISE has therefore invested in the selection of sensors capable of capturing the fast-evolving dynamics of ammonia in both the atmosphere and the water column.

State-of-the-art detection systems

Recent work has consolidated the selection of several priority sensor families that will be deployed during the sea trials:

• Infrared (IR) and FTIR cameras, capable of detecting and visualizing ammonia vapors in the air, offering real-time plume tracking under varying environmental conditions.

• Specialized gas sensors mounted on vessels and UAVs to collect airborne concentration data across multiple altitudes and trajectories.

• Multi-parameter probes for seawater, selected after extensive laboratory testing and comparison campaigns. These probes will monitor key parameters influenced by dissolved ammonia, including pH, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.

• Instrumented buoys and platforms designed for rapid acquisition of water column data throughout and after the release.

The selection of these systems follows months of technical evaluation and laboratory-scale testing carried out by Cedre, IMT Mines Alès, Ineris, Onera and other consortium partners. These tests confirmed the sensors’ ability to withstand harsh marine conditions and the extremely sharp variations expected during the 30‑second release phases.

A major step toward full-scale validation

The pilot trial performed early summer 2025 provided the first opportunity to validate the full measurement chain under real marine conditions. The combined use of airborne, surface, and underwater sensors offered insight into ammonia’s behavior in the open sea. Data that is currently absent from scientific literature and regulatory guidance.

These insights will support the development of safer bunkering operations, emergency response strategies, and international standards for alternative maritime fuels.