Equinor initiates ammonia bunkering study with Azane fuel solutions, The project aims to align the projected ammonia fuel demand from 2025 to 2030 with an optimized fuel value chain, focusing on efficient distribution and the establishment of bunkering terminals at strategic locations.
The “AFNO 2030 – Ammonia Fuel for the Norwegian Offshore Sector 2025-2030” project will study the introduction of clean ammonia as a decarbonization fuel in the Norwegian offshore sector, covering logistical optimization, operational planning, and safety aspects. Clean ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, shows promising potential for decarbonizing the maritime industry. Key challenges include addressing safety concerns related to ammonia toxicity and corrosivity.
The planned activities under “AFNO 2030” are divided into three main categories:
- A. Development of an estimated timeline for ammonia fuel demand.
- B. Creation of a fuel supply value chain development plan.
- C. Performance of site-specific location planning for bunkering.
“We are excited to collaborate with Equinor to demonstrate the decarbonization potential of clean ammonia in the Norwegian offshore sector. Equinor’s involvement as an early adopter of the fuel, alongside the necessary technologies and bunkering infrastructure, is pivotal for driving the industry’s transition,” says Håkon Skjerstad, the newly appointed CEO at Azane Fuel Solutions.
Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network
This project builds upon the groundwork laid by the “AFBN – Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network” project over the past two years. Led by Azane Fuel Solutions in collaboration with partners such as Yara Clean Ammonia, SINTEF, and Fjord Base (Norway’s largest offshore supply base), the project now welcomes Equinor as an associated partner to AFBN. Through these collaborations, the aim is to advance the ammonia fuel bunkering domain, utilizing the expertise and resources of all involved parties.
In April 2022, it was announced that Yara had pre-ordered up to 15 ammonia bunkering terminals as part of a multi-year contract with Azane Fuel Solutions to cater to the Scandinavian market. This network of carbon-free floating bunkering terminals marks a significant milestone towards achieving fossil-fuel-free shipping.
Azane Fuel Solutions is a Norway-based company that is pioneering the development of the world’s first ammonia bunkering terminals. With two industry leaders at its helm, boasting extensive experience in shipping, gas handling, and gas transfer, the company has created a unique technology that enables fast, safe, and flexible bunkering of ammonia. Currently, the shipping industry lacks the necessary infrastructure to transition to carbon-free ammonia fuel. Azane is committed to aiding the decarbonization of shipping by continuously developing innovative technologies for bunkering terminals, cargo handling systems, and other ammonia fuel handling systems. In collaboration with Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane will commence the construction of the world’s first ammonia bunkering network in 2023, with the aim of conducting initial fueling operations by 2025. This significant advancement will pave the way for ammonia to become the fuel of the future.
Source Azane Fuel Solutions