Norwegian Funding Boosts Ammonia-Powered Shipping Industry
Key Ideas
  • Höegh Autoliners secures $112.3m funding from the Norwegian government's Enova to convert part of its fleet to run on ammonia, benefiting the shipping industry.
  • Despite slower uptake due to safety concerns, Höegh Autoliners assures safety measures to prevent deadly ammonia leaks by seamlessly switching fuels and enhancing firefighting capabilities.
  • Norway's strategy involves 'blue' hydrogen and ammonia production from fossil fuels, alongside 'green' methods using renewable energy, with ammonia production requiring less energy than methanol.
  • Höegh Autoliners CEO emphasizes the improvement in firefighting equipment density and zones on board to address challenges like lithium battery fires in the shipping sector.
Höegh Autoliners, a shipping company, has received a significant boost from a new $112.3m funding round led by the Norwegian government's green investment fund Enova. The company is in the process of converting some of its fleet to be powered by ammonia. Despite the slower adoption of ammonia in shipping due to safety concerns over its toxicity, Höegh Autoliners' CEO, Andreas Enger, detailed safety measures to prevent deadly ammonia leaks. These measures include seamlessly switching between fuels and increasing firefighting equipment density on board. Norway is actively pursuing a strategy involving the production of 'blue' hydrogen and ammonia, utilizing the country's fossil fuel resources. They also aim to produce these substances through 'green' methods, utilizing renewable energy sources. Ammonia production is noted to be more energy-efficient than methanol production. Furthermore, Höegh Autoliners is focusing on enhancing firefighting capabilities to address challenges like lithium battery fires. By increasing the density of firefighting equipment on board and introducing more firefighting 'zones,' the company aims to improve its ability to combat such incidents effectively.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.