• Wärtsilä and Eidesvik Offshore to convert ‘Viking Energy’ into the world’s first ammonia-fueled ship, setting a new standard in sustainable shipping.
• Ammonia identified as a critical fuel for achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) net zero emissions target by mid-century.
• Collaborative innovation across the maritime industry is essential to drive decarbonization and ensure the safety and viability of sustainable fuels.

Wärtsilä and Eidesvik Offshore are making history. In a groundbreaking partnership, the two companies are set to convert the offshore platform supply vessel (PSV) ‘Viking Energy’ to operate on ammonia fuel, a first in the global shipping industry. The conversion, scheduled for early 2026, is supported by energy giant Equinor, which not only charters the vessel but also contributes to the financing of the project.

Ammonia is emerging as a key alternative fuel as the shipping industry seeks sustainable options. With stringent global regulations pushing for net zero emissions by 2050, ammonia could significantly reduce maritime carbon footprints. Wärtsilä’s recent report emphasizes that while current measures can cut emissions by up to 27%, sustainable fuels like ammonia are crucial for achieving the remaining 73%.

“In just 25 years – the lifetime of a single vessel – shipping needs to get to net zero emissions,“ said Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä. “Achieving this will require coordinated action by all maritime industry stakeholders to bring about the system change needed to accept a new generation of sustainable fuels.“

The collaborative effort between Wärtsilä, Eidesvik, and Equinor is not new. Their shared commitment to decarbonization has already led to several innovative milestones, such as the world’s first LNG-powered offshore platform supply vessel and the first Battery Power notation awarded to Viking Energy. This latest conversion project, under the ‘Apollo’ initiative funded by the Horizon Europe framework programme, aims to push these boundaries even further by introducing ammonia as a viable fuel.

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“Close collaboration throughout the value chain is key to succeed in the green transition,“ stated Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO & President of Eidesvik Offshore. “Eidesvik has a unique history of pioneering the implementation of innovative emission-reducing technologies, and we are proud to spearhead yet another groundbreaking project together with Wärtsilä and Equinor.“

The conversion of Viking Energy is set to include Wärtsilä’s comprehensive ammonia solution—engine technology, fuel gas supply system, exhaust after-treatment, and more. The project is expected to be completed and operational by mid-2026, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing the shipping industry and setting a new standard for sustainable maritime fuel use.