Eidesvik Offshore, Equinor and their Apollo project partners are moving closer to demonstrating ammonia propulsion in offshore operations, following regulatory approval for a test bunkering of up to 73 tonnes of ammonia aboard the Viking Energy platform supply vessel.
Azane Fuel Solutions has received approval from Norway’s Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) to conduct the operation, scheduled for October or November 2026 at Stord, Norway.
The test will allow project partners to validate the truck-to-ship bunkering arrangements and onboard safety systems ahead of the vessel entering ammonia-fuelled service for Equinor in the North Sea. Ammonia will be transferred from up to three tank trailers.
Owned and operated by Eidesvik Offshore, Viking Energy is being converted with the aim of becoming the world’s first ammonia-powered platform supply vessel (PSV). The bunkering test is part of the commissioning of the vessel’s new ammonia fuel systems under the Apollo project.
Demonstrating ammonia propulsion in offshore operations
Backed by €5 million in EU funding, Apollo involves installing a dual-fuel ammonia engine and associated fuel supply system aboard Viking Energy. An order for the Wärtsilä 25 engine and complete fuel supply system was placed in July 2024.
The conversion is designed to replace at least 70% of the vessel’s existing fuel consumption with ammonia, with the project targeting a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 70% or more.
The ammonia engine and storage tank were delivered to Halsnøy Dock earlier this year. Azane has also reviewed the bunkering operation’s safety plans with the local fire and rescue service.
The test forms part of an agreement between Azane and Equinor covering ammonia supply and truck-to-ship bunkering, with initial fuel deliveries planned for late 2026.
A wider ambition for ammonia infrastructure
The Apollo project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of retrofitting ammonia propulsion to other vessel types, including dredgers and offshore construction vessels, while supporting the development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure in the North Sea.
The project brings together Eidesvik Offshore, Equinor, Wärtsilä, Breeze Ship Design, Maritime CleanTech, DEME Group, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Greece’s Demokritos research centre, alongside Azane’s role in the bunkering operation. The planned test will be an important step towards establishing whether ammonia can be integrated safely into offshore vessel operations, and whether the experience gained can support wider adoption across the maritime sector.
