Wärtsilä has signed a contract with Norwegian shipowner Eidesvik to supply equipment for converting an offshore platform supply vessel (PSV) to operate with ammonia fuel.
The 311’x67’ Viking Energy, now contracted to energy major Equinor, is scheduled for conversion in early 2026 and be operational iin the first half of 2026, becoming the world’s first ammonia-fuelled in-service ship.
In addition to chartering the vessel, Equinor is contributing financing for the conversion. Wärtsilä will then supply the engine and complete fuel gas supply system and exhaust after-treatment needed for the conversion, making it also the first vessel to use Wärtsilä’s recently released ammonia solution.
Ammonia is one alternative fuel as the shipping industry looks for more sustainable, low-carbon fuel options. Global regulations are aiming for ‘net zero’ emissions.
A recent report by Wärtsilä highlights the role that sustainable fuels will play in achieving this target which is set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). According to the report, existing decarbonisation solutions, such as fuel efficiency measures, can cut shipping emissions by up to 27%, but sustainable fuels, such as ammonia, will be required to close the estimated remaining gap of 73%.
“In just 25 years – the lifetime of a single vessel – shipping needs to get to net zero emissions,” said Håkan Agnevall, president and CEO of Wärtsilä, in announcing the conversion ion project. “Achieving this will require coordinated action by all maritime industry stakeholders to bring about the system change needed to accept a new generation of sustainable fuels."
“With this new contract, together with Eidesvik, Wärtsilä is proud to be at the forefront of this movement. Decarbonisation is front and centre of our strategy and we are committed to developing and delivering sustainable solutions which not only ensure the viability of sustainable fuels, but also their safety.”
Wärtsilä, Eidesvik and Equinor have collaborated before on decarbonization efforts. Using Wärtsilä dual-fuel engine technology, Eidesvik was the world’s first shipowner to have an LNG-powered offshore platform supply vessel. It also received the world’s first Battery Power notation, given to Viking Energy, for a battery system installed by Wärtsilä.
This latest partnership is a result of the ‘Apollo’ project which is co-funded by the Horizon Europe framework program. Horizon Europe aims to accelerate the transition towards a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 through funding projects, such as Apollo, which contribute research and innovative solutions in various sectors related to climate, energy and mobility.
“Close collaboration throughout the value chain is key to succeed in the green transition. Eidesvik has a unique history of pioneering the implementation of innovative emission-reducing technologies, and we are proud to spearhead yet another groundbreaking project together with Wärtsilä and Equinor,” said Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO and president of Eidesvik Offshore.
In addition to the Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine, Wärtsilä will supply the complete ammonia solution, including its AmmoniaPac Fuel Gas Supply System, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system designed for ammonia. A service agreement, covering maintenance, is a highly essential part of the deal. The conversion project is planned for early 2026, with final commissioning expected in Q2 2026.
