Wärtsilä, a leading technology group, has signed an agreement with Norwegian shipowner Eidesvik to convert an offshore platform supply vessel (PSV) to operate on ammonia fuel. The vessel, named ‘Viking Energy,’ is currently under contract with energy company Equinor. The conversion is set to begin in early 2026, with the ship expected to start operating on ammonia in the first half of 2026, making it the first ship in the world to run on ammonia fuel. Equinor is also providing financial support for the conversion.
Wärtsilä will supply the necessary equipment for this project, including the engine, a complete fuel gas supply system, and an exhaust after-treatment system, marking the first use of Wärtsilä’s new ammonia solution.
Ammonia is being explored as a sustainable alternative fuel as the shipping industry seeks to reduce emissions and meet global regulations aimed at achieving net zero emissions by mid-century. According to a recent Wärtsilä report, while existing decarbonization methods can reduce emissions by up to 27 percent, the use of sustainable fuels like ammonia will be essential to eliminating the remaining 73 percent.
Håkan Agnl, President and CEO of Wärtsilä, emphasized the need for industry-wide cooperation to reach net zero emissions within the next 25 years, which is the typical lifespan of a vessel. He stated that the conversion of the Viking Energy is a key step in Wärtsilä’s commitment to developing and delivering sustainable and safe fuel solutions.
This project continues the collaboration between Wärtsilä, Eidesvik, and Equinor, who have previously worked together on other environmental technology initiatives. Viking Energy already holds records for being the first LNG-powered offshore PSV and the first vessel to receive the Battery Power notation, thanks to a battery system installed by Wärtsilä.
The conversion is part of the ‘Apollo’ project, co-funded by the Horizon Europe framework programme, which supports the transition to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.
Wärtsilä will supply the Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine, along with the AmmoniaPac Fuel Gas Supply System, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for ammonia. A service agreement covering maintenance is also included in the contract. The conversion is scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.
