Maritime Industry’s Shift Towards Eco-Friendly Fuels
The maritime industry is witnessing a significant transformation with the introduction of eco-friendly fuels. One such vessel, the Viking Energy, operated by Eidesvik Offshore, is at the forefront of this change. This supply ship is set to become the first in the world to sail long distances using ammonia as fuel.
Ammonia: A Viable Alternative to Hydrogen
Both ammonia and hydrogen have been considered as fuels of the future in the marine industry due to their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, ammonia is gaining ground faster than expected, particularly for long routes like those in the North Sea, where ships require a large amount of fuel.
Ammonia offers several advantages over hydrogen, including:
- Higher Energy Density: Ammonia allows for the transportation of more energy in the same volume, making it ideal for long trips.
- Infrastructure Under Development: A support network for ammonia storage and distribution is being built, addressing the challenges associated with its use.
- More Scalable Production: Ammonia is currently easier to produce and transport in large quantities compared to hydrogen.
The Viking Energy Conversion Project
The Viking Energy will be equipped with fuel cell modules that will generate up to 2 MW of power, solely powered by ammonia. This conversion will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making the Viking Energy an emissions-free vessel during its operations.
The project is partially financed by the European Union and is a collaboration between Eidesvik Offshore, Equinor, Wärtsilä, and other technology partners. Testing will begin while the vessel is under contract to Equinor for at least 5 years.
Environmental and Operational Impact
The objective is for ammonia to cover between 60% and 70% of the ship’s energy consumption during the testing period, including both offshore operations and energy use when docked in port. The remaining 30%-40% of the energy will be covered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Viking Energy’s main fuel since 2003.
In the long term, it is expected that ammonia can cover up to 90% of the ship’s energy demand, marking a significant milestone in the transition towards emission-free maritime operations.
Why Ammonia is Gaining Ground Over Hydrogen
Although hydrogen remains an option for some sectors, ammonia has proven to be more suitable for long-range applications due to its storage capacity, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.
The Viking Energy project sets a model for the maritime industry, demonstrating the viability of ammonia as the main fuel. This project can pave the way for the broader adoption of zero-emission fuels, bringing the industry closer to its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.