Equinor has signed a contract with Eidesvik Offshore for the conversion of the Viking Energy supply vessel to ammonia operation for use in 2026.

The vessel will be the world's first supply vessel fuelled by ammonia.

"We have an ambition to halve the maritime emissions associated with our Norwegian operations by 2030. With this contract, we will, in collaboration with Eidesvik Offshore, employ a new low-emission technology. We strongly believe in the use of ammonia as a fuel on our supply vessels," said Ørjan Kvelvane, Equinor's senior vice president for joint operations support.

Wärtsilä will build the engine on behalf of Eidesvik Offshore and it is estimated that it will cut emissions from Viking Energy by at least 70 per cent. The necessary conversion and installation of the new engine together with the complete fuel gas supply system and exhaust after-treatment from Wärtsilä will take place in 2026. The project receives €5m in support through the Horizon Europe programme.

In addition to this contract, Equinor has also made an inquiry in the market for supply vessels capable of running on ammonia.

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