Viking Energy PSV to Become First Offshore Vessel Powered by Ammonia
Norwegian offshore vessel owner Eidesvik Offshore has tasked Halsnøy Dokk with converting the platform supply vessel (PSV) Viking Energy to ammonia-powered operations.
The conversion is scheduled for completion in autumn, when the 95-meter-long vessel will continue operating for Equinor, with whom it has maintained a continuous contract since its delivery in 2003. The retrofit has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% or more.
According to Eidesvik, once the retrofit is completed, Viking Energy will become the first offshore vessel capable of operating on ammonia. The project also represents the first real-world industry initiative testing ammonia as a fuel for a vessel in normal operations.
Work will begin in spring 2026 with the prefabrication of steel and piping systems. The scope of the project includes major structural modifications, as well as the installation and integration of a new ammonia dual-fuel engine, ammonia tank, and fuel systems. Additional technical upgrades required for safe operation will also be implemented.
Wärtsilä will deliver its 25 dual-fuel engine, capable of operating on ammonia and marine gas oil, while Breeze Ship Design will oversee the vessel’s design and engineering. The design package has also received a preliminary assessment from the Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Testing and commissioning will take place once the conversion work has been completed.
“Ammonia-fuel technology is ready, and we’re excited to bring that capability onboard Viking Energy,” said Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine.
“It’s been extremely rewarding to work closely with our partners to apply a fully integrated ammonia solution—combining engine technology, fuel supply, and safety systems—to an existing vessel. This project marks an important milestone in supporting the maritime industry’s journey toward zero-emission operations.”
The retrofit forms part of the EU-supported Apollo project, led by Maritime CleanTech, which aims to address technical integration, operational procedures, and regulatory frameworks required for ammonia to be used as a maritime fuel.
Equinor is financially supporting the conversion. In addition to the partners already mentioned, the consortium also includes DEME Group, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos.”
“Through this technology project, we will gain important knowledge about ammonia as a potential fuel for offshore vessels. It is encouraging to see the project progressing,” said Mette Ottøy, SVP Joint Operations Support at Equinor.
