Equinor, Eidesvik Offshore Collaborate on Ammonia-Powered Viking Energy

Equinor and Eidesvik Offshore Collaborate on Ammonia Conversion for Viking Energy Supply Vessel

Equinor has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Eidesvik Offshore to convert the Viking Energy supply vessel to run on ammonia by 2026. This pioneering endeavor is set to make Viking Energy the first of its kind to utilize ammonia as a fuel source, with the goal of servicing Equinor’s operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf while significantly reducing emissions. Notably, the vessel's transformation is projected to yield a sizable 70% reduction in emissions, specifically targeted towards aligning with Equinor's ambitious 2030 emission reduction goal.

The extensive conversion project, primarily led by Eidesvik Offshore and Wärtsilä, encompasses the installation of a new engine, fuel gas supply system, and exhaust after-treatment, all developed by Wärtsilä. To support this initiative, Equinor is making substantial financial contributions, bolstered by a €5 million grant from the EU Horizon Europe program. In line with Equinor's broader mission to curtail maritime emissions from its Norwegian operations by half within the next decade, this venture serves as a pivotal step forward.

This endeavor not only strives to mitigate CO2 emissions but also seeks to exert influence on future regulations regarding ammonia as a maritime fuel, alongside establishing a robust value chain for ammonia bunkering. Equinor’s steadfast dedication to low-emission technologies is deeply interconnected with its overarching strategy to adhere to forthcoming Norwegian government standards, encompassing stringent emission requirements for supply vessels commencing in 2025 and zero-emission mandates for new vessels by 2029.

Key Takeaways

• Equinor collaborates with Eidesvik Offshore to convert the Viking Energy vessel to operate on ammonia, targeting completion by 2026.
• The conversion initiative aims to achieve a significant 70% reduction in emissions and aligns with Equinor's substantial 2030 emission reduction goal.
• Wärtsilä plays a pivotal role in developing the vessel's new engine, fuel gas supply system, and exhaust after-treatment technologies, with substantial financial backing from Equinor and the EU Horizon Europe program.
• The collaboration additionally instigates Equinor's exploration of other ammonia-capable supply vessels to foster broader adoption of low-emission technologies.
• The project prioritizes safety, while actively contributing to shaping future regulations and establishing an extensive value chain for ammonia bunkering.

Analysis

The momentous collaboration between Equinor and Eidesvik Offshore to convert the Viking Energy vessel to utilize ammonia represents a strategic maneuver aligned with stringent environmental regulations, aimed at ushering in a substantial 70% reduction in emissions. Bolstered by the considerable support of Wärtsilä and funding from the EU, this initiative not only targets immediate emission reductions but positions Equinor as a trailblazer in maritime low-emission technologies. Over time, this could potentially influence global maritime regulations and pave the way for a robust ammonia fuel market, ultimately impacting suppliers, shipbuilders, and environmental agencies. The success of this venture holds the potential to expedite the adoption of ammonia as a maritime fuel, fundamentally reshaping the industry's trajectory and significantly reducing global maritime emissions.

Did You Know?

• Ammonia as a Maritime Fuel:
  • Insight: Ammonia is currently under scrutiny as a viable alternative fuel for maritime vessels due to its potential to substantially curtail carbon emissions. Unlike conventional fuels, ammonia does not release carbon dioxide upon combustion, thus presenting itself as a promising zero-carbon fuel option. However, its utilization necessitates specialized engines and safety precautions owing to its toxic and corrosive nature.
• EU Horizon Europe Program:
  • Insight: The EU Horizon Europe program stands as a crucial funding initiative by the European Union, dedicated to bolstering research and innovation in order to drive economic growth and tackle societal challenges. It extends grants and funding opportunities for projects aligned with its objectives, particularly sustainability and climate action, rendering it a significant source of financial support for initiatives like Equinor's ammonia fuel conversion project.
• Wärtsilä:
  • Insight: As a dominant force in advanced technologies and comprehensive lifecycle solutions tailored for the marine and energy sectors, Wärtsilä is synonymous with pioneering solutions. Notably, its involvement in developing new engines, fuel supply systems, and exhaust after-treatment technologies is pivotal. In the context of the Equinor-Eidesvik project, Wärtsilä's role assumes critical significance in adapting and creating technologies that facilitate the use of ammonia as a maritime vessel fuel.