Norway Leads the Way in Advancing Ammonia as a Sustainable Marine Fuel
Key Ideas
- Sustainable Energy test centre near Bergen, Norway, in partnership with key players, achieves over 90% ammonia mix with diesel, aiming for 100% dual-fuel four-stroke engines.
- Norwegian-US collaboration results in world's first ammonia-powered vessel, NH3 Kraken, operating in New York, showcasing the feasibility of ammonia technology.
- Yara Clean Ammonia plans to invest in infrastructure for green and blue ammonia production and bunkering, aiming to operate an ammonia-fueled vessel within three years.
- Industry experts at the conference in Bergen highlight ammonia as a promising zero-carbon fuel for long-term oceangoing shipping, despite challenges in safety and toxicity.
The Sustainable Energy test centre near Bergen, Norway is at the forefront of advancing ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. Partnerships with Equinor, Repsol, Wärtsilä, Knutsen Group, and Amogy have led to successful testing of dual-fuel engines with over 90% ammonia mix, nearing 100% efficiency. Plans are underway for commercializing dual-fuel ammonia engines, with Eidesvik slated to install one in 2026. Equinor has also initiated tenders for ammonia-fueled PSVs, signaling rapid progress in the sector. Additionally, Yara Clean Ammonia aims to establish infrastructure for green and blue ammonia production and bunkering, with plans to operate an ammonia-fueled vessel within three years. The company's investment in production facilities aligns with a vision to supply blue and green ammonia to the shipping industry within the next decade. Ammonia's potential as a zero-carbon fuel for oceangoing vessels was emphasized at the Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cell Conference in Bergen, where experts discussed the role of ammonia alongside LNG in the industry's transition towards sustainability.