First offshore vessel to operate on ammonia coming this autumn

February 26, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Norwegian offshore vessel owner Eidesvik Offshore has tasked Halsnøy Dokk with the conversion of the platform supply vessel (PSV) Viking Energy to ammonia-powered operations.

The conversion is planned to be completed in autumn, when the 95-meter-long vessel will continue operating for Equinor, with whom it has been on continuous contract since delivery in 2003, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% or more.

According to Eidesvik, upon completion of the retrofit, Viking Energy will be the first offshore vessel to be able to operate on ammonia, and this is the first actual project in the industry testing out ammonia as fuel for a vessel in normal operation.

Work will begin with prefabrication of steel and piping systems this spring 2026, with the scope including major structural modifications, installation and integration of a new ammonia dual-fuel engine, ammonia tank and fuel systems, and technical upgrades required for safe operation.

Wärtsilä will deliver its 25 dual-fuel engine capable of operating on ammonia and marine gas oil, while Breeze Ship Design is responsible for ship design and engineering. The design package also received a preliminary assessment from the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

Testing and commissioning will be carried out following the completion of the conversion.

“Ammonia‑fuel technology is ready, and we’re excited to bring that capability onboard Viking Energy,” said Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine. “It’s been extremely rewarding to work closely with our partners to apply a fully integrated ammonia solution – combining engine technology, fuel supply, and safety systems – to an existing vessel. This project marks an important milestone in supporting the maritime industry’s journey towards zero‑emission operations.”

The retrofit forms part of the EU-supported Apollo project, led by Maritime CleanTech, designed to address technical integration, operational procedures and regulatory frameworks required for ammonia as a maritime fuel.

Equinor is supporting the conversion financially. In addition to the already mentioned partners, the consortium brings together DEME Group, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”.

“Through this technology project, we will gain important knowledge about ammonia as a potential fuel for offshore vessels. It is encouraging to see the project progressing,” said Mette Ottøy, SVP Joint Operations Support at Equinor.