Duo to study ammonia bunkering in Norway
Norwegian companies Equinor and Azane Fuel Solutions have launched an ammonia bunkering study focused on the distribution and establishment of bunkering terminals across Norway.
PHOTO: Azane’s ammonia bunkering terminal concept. Azane
The study will cover "logistical optimization, operational planning, and safety aspects" of introducing clean ammonia as a marine fuel to decarbonize the Norwegian offshore sector.
“Clean ammonia holds great potential as a fuel to decarbonize the maritime industry, as it can be burned in an engine or a fuel cell but does not contain carbon – hence no CO2 is emitted,” Azane says.
But the safety risks associated with ammonia's toxicity and corrosive nature need to be resolved first, Azane adds.
The project named- AFNO 2030 – Ammonia fuel for the Norwegian offshore sector 2025-2030 - will concentrate on three primary categories:
- Developing an estimated timeline for ammonia demand
- Map out a fuel supply value chain
- Carry out site-specific location planning for ammonia bunkering
It anticipates supplying enough ammonia to meet Norway's projected demand for ammonia from 2025 to 2030.
The project will “showcase how clean ammonia can be utilized to decarbonize the Norwegian offshore sector,” Azane’s chief executive Håkon Skjerstad says.
The study also intends to build upon the Azane-led consortium’s efforts to “to advance the ammonia fuel bunkering domain.” The consortium consists of Yara Clean Ammonia, SINTEF, and Fjord Base.
In fact, Azane has been working with Yara to develop what could become one of the world's first ammonia bunker and loading stations. Last April, Yara pre-ordered 15 floating bunkering terminals from Azane and aims to roll them out all over Scandinavia.
By Tuhin Roy
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