Azane Fuel Solutions has received approval from Norway’s Directorate for Civil Protection to conduct a test bunkering of ammonia aboard the Viking Energy platform supply vessel. Scheduled for October or November 2026 in Stord, Norway, this operation is part of the Apollo project, which aims to convert the vessel to ammonia propulsion.
The process will involve transferring ammonia from up to three tank trailers to test bunkering arrangements and onboard safety systems. Viking Energy, owned by Eidesvik Offshore, aspires to be the world’s first ammonia-powered PSV, demonstrating the technology while servicing Equinor in the North Sea.
The Apollo project has secured €5 million in EU funding for a dual-fuel ammonia engine and associated infrastructure, with an order placed for a Wärtsilä engine in July 2024. Azane has collaborated with local fire services on safety plans for the operation.
This initiative is part of a broader agreement with Equinor for ammonia supply and aims for initial deliveries in late 2026. The conversion project targets a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% by replacing at least 70% of the vessel’s existing fuel with ammonia. The project also seeks to demonstrate ammonia propulsion retrofits for various vessel types and support the development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure in the North Sea.
Participants in the Apollo project include Eidesvik Offshore, Equinor, Wärtsilä, Breeze Ship Design, Maritime CleanTech, DEME Group, VTT Technical Research Centre, and Greece’s Demokritos research center.
