Eidesvik and Wärtsilä embark on ammonia OSV conversion
From left: Jan Lodden, COO, Eidesvik Offshore ASA; Hans-Petter Nesse, managing director, Wärtsilä Norway; Gitte Gard Talmo, CCO, Eidesvik Offshore ASA; Cato Esperø, head of Sales, Wärtsilä Norway (Source: Wärtsilä Corporation)
Norwegian offshore operator, Eidesvik Offshore ASA, and power technology group Wärtsilä, are to collaborate on the conversion of an existing offshore supply vessel (OSV) with installation of an ammonia-fuelled combustion engine and the necessary fuel supply and safety system. The project, claimed to be the first of its type, has a provisional completion date of the end of 2023.
The OSV earmarked for the conversion has dual-fuel Wärtsilä engines running mostly on LNG. Following the conversion, the vessel will be capable of operating on a 70% ammonia fuel blend, which Wärtsilä has already tested successfully under laboratory conditions. Ultimately, the companies aim to operate the ship using 100% ammonia with a minimal ignition fuel requirement.
Jan Fredrik Meling, Eidesvik CEO and president, said: “Using ammonia as a fuel is seen as key future contributor to shipping’s energy transition and we’re excited to be the first offshore shipowner taking this step. This project is yet another confirmation of our strong reputation as a pioneer in implementing new environmental technologies in both newbuilds and the existing fleet.”
Commenting on the project on behalf of Wärtsilä, the company’s managing director in Norway, Hans Petter Nesse, said: “Collaborating with Eidesvik on this groundbreaking project is an exciting and important step towards carbon-free shipping. Naturally we are also working with classification societies on measures to ensure safe and environmentally sustainable use. We are already well advanced in the development of ammonia as a viable marine fuel.”
