The conversion of Viking Energy into the world’s first ammonia-powered platform supply vessel has achieved major milestones, including the removal of LNG systems and delivery of the vessel’s new ammonia engine and fuel tank. The EU-backed Apollo project aims to demonstrate ammonia propulsion in commercial offshore operations while supporting the development of future ammonia bunkering infrastructure and low-carbon shipping solutions.
Norway | June 2, 2026 – The landmark conversion of the platform supply vessel (PSV) Viking Energy into the world’s first ammonia-powered offshore vessel has reached several major milestones, bringing the maritime industry a step closer to demonstrating ammonia as a viable low-carbon marine fuel at commercial scale.
The retrofit, being carried out at Norway’s Halsnøy Dock under the EU-backed Apollo project, is progressing steadily following the vessel’s arrival in dry dock on May 11. The project aims to transform the vessel into the first ammonia-fuelled platform supply vessel capable of operating in real-world offshore conditions for energy major Equinor.
Once completed, the conversion is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to conventional operations, marking a significant step in the maritime sector’s decarbonisation journey.
Major Conversion Work Underway
Shipyard teams have already completed several critical phases of the retrofit programme.
The vessel’s existing LNG fuel tank has been removed following a major deck cut-out operation, while two LNG engines have been successfully lifted out through a specially created hull opening. Existing exhaust piping and associated equipment have also been removed from the vessel’s starboard exhaust casing to make way for the new propulsion system.
At the same time, preparations are advancing for the installation of ammonia-fuelled equipment. Foundations for the new ammonia fuel tank, ammonia engine and supporting systems have already been prefabricated, while fabrication of extensive piping networks is underway.
The new systems will include:
- Ammonia fuel supply infrastructure
- Exhaust treatment systems
- Cooling water systems
- Bunkering arrangements
- Auxiliary support systems
- Safety and monitoring equipment
The work represents one of the most complex ammonia retrofit projects undertaken in the maritime sector to date.
Ammonia Engine and Fuel Tank Arrive at Yard
The Apollo project has also achieved a significant logistical milestone with the successful delivery of the vessel’s new ammonia engine and ammonia storage tank. Both components have been received at Halsnøy Dock and are currently awaiting installation onboard as the retrofit programme progresses.
The new propulsion package will feature a dual-fuel engine supplied by Wärtsilä, capable of operating primarily on ammonia while retaining flexibility through dual-fuel functionality.
The engine forms the technological core of the Apollo project and is expected to become one of the maritime industry’s first commercially deployed ammonia-powered propulsion systems operating in offshore service.
World’s First Ammonia-Powered Platform Supply Vessel
Owned and operated by Norwegian shipowner Eidesvik Offshore, Viking Energy is set to become a pioneering vessel in the transition toward alternative marine fuels. The vessel has secured a five-year charter contract with Equinor through 2030 and is expected to begin ammonia-powered operations in the North Sea following completion of the conversion programme.
The project is viewed as a critical test case for ammonia-fuelled shipping, providing valuable operational data under demanding offshore conditions where vessels require high power output, long endurance and exceptional reliability.
Unlike many pilot projects conducted in controlled environments, the Apollo demonstrator will operate in active commercial service, providing a real-world assessment of ammonia propulsion technology.
Apollo Project Targets Commercial Readiness
Backed by €5 million in funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, the Apollo project is designed to accelerate the technical maturity and commercial deployment of ammonia-powered shipping.
The consortium includes Eidesvik Offshore, Wärtsilä, Equinor, Maritime CleanTech, Breeze Ship Design and several technology and safety partners.
Beyond demonstrating ammonia propulsion onboard Viking Energy, the project seeks to establish a complete framework for future ammonia vessel retrofits and newbuilds.
Key objectives include:
- Demonstrating large-scale ammonia-fuelled propulsion on an existing vessel
- Achieving the first DNV classification approval for an ammonia-fuelled ship
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% or more
- Lowering NOx emissions below 2.4 g/kWh
- Developing safe ammonia storage and handling systems
- Supporting the growth of ammonia bunkering infrastructure
- Validating the commercial business case for ammonia fuel
Implications for Ammonia Bunkering
For the bunkering sector, the Apollo project is widely regarded as one of the most important ammonia fuel demonstrations currently underway. Industry stakeholders view successful operation of Viking Energy as a key step toward unlocking future demand for ammonia bunkering services across the North Sea and other major shipping regions.
While ammonia is already transported globally as a commodity, dedicated marine bunkering infrastructure remains at an early stage of development. The Apollo consortium believes commercial deployment of ammonia-powered vessels could help stimulate investment in fuel production, storage and bunkering facilities, particularly for green ammonia produced using renewable energy.
The project specifically includes efforts to support the expansion of ammonia bunkering networks in the North Sea and beyond, creating a foundation for wider adoption of the fuel across multiple vessel segments.
A Blueprint for Future Retrofits
One of the Apollo project’s most significant ambitions is proving that ammonia technology can be deployed not only in newbuild vessels but also through the retrofit of existing fleets.
Project partners are conducting replication studies covering additional vessel categories, including dredging vessels and offshore construction ships, to demonstrate the scalability of the technology. If successful, the project could provide shipowners with a practical pathway to decarbonise existing assets without requiring complete fleet replacement.
The consortium believes the flexible retrofit solution being developed for Viking Energy could eventually be adapted for a wide range of vessel types operating both in European waters and international markets.
Maritime Industry Watches Closely
As regulatory pressure intensifies and shipowners seek viable pathways to reduce emissions, ammonia has emerged as one of the leading candidates for long-term maritime decarbonisation.
Supporters point to ammonia’s carbon-free combustion profile and existing global transportation network, while challenges remain around fuel availability, safety procedures, crew training and bunkering infrastructure.
The success of the Viking Energy conversion will therefore be closely watched by shipowners, fuel suppliers, ports, classification societies and regulators worldwide.
With major retrofit work progressing and critical equipment already delivered, the project is entering one of its most important phases as the maritime sector moves closer to witnessing the world’s first ammonia-powered platform supply vessel in commercial operation.
Project Partners Driving the Apollo Initiative
The Apollo project brings together a consortium of leading maritime, energy, technology and research organisations working to accelerate the commercial deployment of ammonia-fuelled shipping.
- Maritime CleanTech, one of Norway’s leading maritime innovation clusters, has played a central role in developing the project and securing €5 million in funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. The organisation focuses on advancing energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies across the ocean industries.
- Eidesvik Offshore, owner and operator of Viking Energy, is widely recognised as a pioneer in the adoption of new environmental technologies across both newbuild and existing offshore vessels. The Norwegian shipowner will operate the ammonia-powered PSV in commercial service for Equinor.
- Equinor, Norway’s largest energy operator and a growing renewable energy developer, will provide the operational environment for the demonstration through the vessel’s long-term North Sea contract.
- Wärtsilä Finland is supplying the ammonia propulsion technology, including the Wärtsilä 25 dual-fuel engine and complete fuel gas supply system. The technology group is among the maritime industry’s leading developers of alternative-fuel engine solutions.
- Breeze Ship Design is responsible for the vessel’s design and engineering modifications, bringing extensive expertise in environmentally compliant vessel designs and retrofit solutions.
- The consortium is further supported by leading research institutions, including the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (NCSRD) in Greece and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, both of which contribute scientific expertise in energy systems, emissions reduction, safety and technology validation.
- In addition, DEME Group NV, a global provider of marine engineering, dredging, offshore energy and environmental solutions, is participating in the project’s replication studies aimed at assessing the feasibility of ammonia retrofits across additional vessel segments.
Together, the partners aim to establish a commercially viable pathway for ammonia-powered shipping, supporting vessel decarbonisation, future ammonia bunkering infrastructure and the broader transition towards low-carbon maritime transport.
Source: Apollo