Viking Energy world first ammonia PSV

Scheduled for operation in 2026, the vessel will be deployed for Equinor, where it is expected to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 70% or more.

This groundbreaking initiative is part of the Apollo project, which has secured €5 million in support from the European Union. The project involves equipping the Viking Energy with a Wärtsilä W25 dual fuel engine, capable of operating on ammonia and MGO.

Eidesvik Offshore, the Norwegian shipowner and operator of the Viking Energy, will demonstrate this innovative technology in a real-world operational environment under contract with Equinor. “Apollo represents an important step in our journey towards carbon-free shipping operations,” said Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO & president of Eidesvik Offshore. “Eidesvik has a unique history as a pioneer in showcasing new technologies to curb emissions, and we take pride in once again assuming this role alongside Equinor.”

The Apollo project is also focused on developing modular designs and concepts that can facilitate the rapid adoption of ammonia engines in both existing and new vessels. The project, led by VTT, aims to scale the insights gained from the Viking Energy demonstrator to other vessel types. The concept will encompass safety and monitoring systems, as well as fuel gas supply systems. Breeze Ship Design is responsible for ship design services, while Wärtsilä will deliver the complete ammonia solution, including the engine, fuel gas supply system, and service agreement.

The conversion of Viking Energy is the latest project in a history of collaboration between Wärtsilä, Eidesvik and Equinor. Viking Energy has an impressive record of demonstrating new environmental technologies, that includes three “world firsts”. For example, 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 from DNV, given to Viking Energy, for a battery system installed by Wärtsilä.