World’s first ammonia conversion project

Energy Disrupter

General – ammonia

The technology group Wärtsilä and Norwegian ship owner Eidesvik Offshore ASA have signed a landmark cooperation agreement aimed at converting an offshore supply vessel (OSV) to operate with an ammonia-fuelled combustion engine with required fuel supply and safety system.

Wärtsilä and Eidesvik personnel leading the ammonia conversion project. From left Jan Lodden, COO, Eidesvik Offshore; Hans-Petter Nesse, Managing Director, Wärtsilä Norway; Gitte Gard Talmo, CCO, Eidesvik Offshore and Cato Esperø, Head of Sales, Wärtsilä Norway. © Wärtsilä

This project will be the first of its kind ever in the world and has a provisional completion target by 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 percent ammonia blend.

Wärtsilä has already successfully laboratory tested an engine fuelled with a 70 percent ammonia blend. The ultimate goal is to achieve operation with 100 percent ammonia and with a minimum ignition fuel requirement.

As a fuel, ammonia has the potential to drastically reduce emissions of CO2. Both Wärtsilä and Eidesvik have stated their commitment to supporting the industry’s efforts to decarbonise its operations.

Original Source: https://ocean-energyresources.com/2021/10/10/worlds-first-ammonia-conversion-project/