Equinor launches project to establish ammonia bunkering

Equinor has launched a project with fellow technology firm Azane Fuel Solutions to showcase how clean ammonia can be introduced as a fuel to decarbonise the Norwegian offshore sector.

Azane, a joint venture between ECONNECT Energy and Amon Maritime, said the project will focus on optimising the value chain for ammonia, from production to use, with a particular focus on efficient distribution and the establishment of bunkering terminals in strategic locations.

The project, which expands upon the established groundwork of the AFBN – Ammonia fuel bunkering network project during the past two years, will match an estimated ammonia fuel demand between 2025 and 2030. Led by Azane Fuel Solutions in a consortium that includes partners like Yara Clean Ammonia, SINTEF, and Fjord Base, the project has now welcomed Equinor as an associated partner.

In April 2022 Yara has pre-ordered up to 15 ammonia bunkering terminals to sufficiently cover the Scandinavian market in a multi-year contract with Azane Fuel Solutions. This was followed by Amon Maritime’s launch of a new company specialising in the offshore market with the aim of building, owning and operating a fleet of ammonia-powered platform supply vessels for the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

All PSVs on the NCS will release zero emissions by 2030, requiring around 80 newbuilds or significantly modified or rebuilt ships to be delivered between 2025 and 2030, Amon Maritime said in November.