Norwegian duo partners Amogy to develop ammonia-powered supply vessels

The vessels will be equipped with Amogy’s ammonia-to-power technology, which converts liquid ammonia into hydrogen gas to power fuel cells.

PHOTO: A model of the proposed ammonia-powered PSV vessel. Amogy

Norwegian ship consultancy firm Green Ships and offshore supply shipping firm Bourbon Horizon have signed an agreement with Amogy to build two ammonia-powered platform supply vessels (PSVs).

Smaller ships such as PSVs are suitable to run on fuel cells and large batteries, technology firm Amogy Norway’s managing director Christian Berg said.

Amogy's technology uses unique catalysts to crack ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen to power the fuel cells and generate electricity. According to the Ammonia Energy Association, ammonia cracking is typically done at temperatures of 850-950°C using a nickel catalyst.

The new vessels will have a 100-cbm ammonia tank each. The complete system will be designed in a way to avoid any leaks and with proper ventilation, Amogy says.

“Combined with the announced increased capacity in low- and zero-carbon ammonia and ammonia bunkering projects in Norway, Singapore, and the USA, the maritime industry can take concrete steps to reach the IMO goals,” Berg adds.

The trio may also consider building a third PSV vessel.

By Nithin Chandran

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