Coalition for an ammonia-based engine
It is their first joint project for ammonia conversion: technology group Wärtsilä and Norwegian ship owner Eidesvik Offshore have signed a partnership aimed at converting an offshore supply vessel (OSV) to operate with an ammonia-fuelled combustion engine. The partners have set a provisional completion target for the end of 2023.
The OSV considered for a retrofit currently has Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines operating primarily with LNG fuel. The conversion will allow the vessel to operate with a 70% ammonia blend.
The ultimate goal is to achieve operation with 100% ammonia and with a minimum ignition fuel requirement. As a fuel, ammonia has the potential to drastically reduce C02 emissions. Eidesvik introduced LNG fuel in its fleet from as early as 2003, and fuel cells from 2006.
Wärtsilä and Eidesvik are also partners in the EU-funded ShipFC project to equip a platform supply vessel, the ‘Viking Energy’ with a 2MW fuel cell running on green ammonia. The installation is scheduled to take place in late 2023. (sh)