Aker BP SOFC retrofit deal latest in series of Aker ammonia initiatives

Under the MoU, Eidesvik Offshore and Aker BP will explore retrofit installations of ammonia fuel cell technology on two offshore support vessels: Eidesvik-owned Viking Lady and Aker BP-owned NS Frayja currently under Eidesvik’s management. 

The agreement is part of Eidesvik and Aker BP’s ambitious joint technology project “Retrofit” that aims to reduce emissions from existing supply vessels. As reported by The Motorship, the new Norwegian government is understood to be seeking to require vessels operating on the Norwegian shelf to switch to alternative fuel sources “as soon as practicable”.

The proprietary solid oxide fuel cell technology specified in the deal is owned by Clara Venture Labs, following the acquisition of the Bergen-based developer of the technology, Prototech AS, by Aker Capital on 10 June for an undisclosed amount. Local media reports in Bergen earlier this week indicate that Aker is investing NOK 1billion (USD115 million) in a technology campus in Bergen. 

Aker BP’s sister company Aker Horizons is a founder member of a new company, Hegra, established to oversee a worldscale green ammonia project at Porsgrunn, and commercialise the resulting green ammonia. The company will oversee the conversion of a 500,000 tonne/year ammonia plant at Herøya convert to green ammonia production. Production of green ammonia at Herøya is tentatively expected to begin by 2026.