Eidesvik to retrofit Equinor-bound PSV with ammonia dual-fuel engine
Eidesvik to Retrofit Viking Energy for Ammonia Operations
Owner of offshore vessels in Norway, Eidesvik, plans to equip Viking Energy, a platform supply vessel (PSV), with a dual-fuel engine that can run on ammonia. The European Union’s Horizon Europe program has provided €5 million in funding for the Apollo innovation project, which includes the refit. The long-term charterer of the ship, Equinor, will also help to finance this renovation.
Viking Energy has a notable history, having served Equinor for over 20 years. It was the first offshore vessel to operate on LNG when it was launched in 2003, and in 2016, it became the world’s first hybrid supply unit with DNV battery power notation. This latest conversion to ammonia will further cement its pioneering status, making it the world’s first offshore vessel to use ammonia as a primary energy source in a combustion engine.
The conversion is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026, coinciding with an extension of the vessel’s contract with Equinor, which will secure its employment until the end of the first quarter of 2030, with additional extension options available. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts in the maritime industry to adopt more sustainable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
