Retrofitting deep-sea ships to run on ammonia is challenging - Norwegian study

Retrofitting a vessel to run on green ammonia is challenging due to “high retrofit investment costs, lack of availability and competitively priced ammonia”, a new study reveals.

PHOTO: Grieg Maritime Group ran pilot runs with an L-class bulk carrier powered by ammonia. Greig Star

The study explored the feasibility of retrofitting a bulk carrier to run on green ammonia and was conducted by a coalition of cross-industry experts led by Norwegian shipping group Grieg Star.

Ammonia producer Yara, shipowner G2 Ocean, classification society DNV and the Norwegian Maritime Authority are among the other members of this coalition.

In a pilot study, Grieg Star retrofitted an eight-year-old bulk carrier to burn ammonia as fuel on a trade route between Europe, the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil.

The pilot has revealed that it is not economically viable to convert a deep-sea vessel to operate on green ammonia due to high retrofitting costs, limited supply of green ammonia at “competitive prices” and lack of clarity in regulations, Grieg Star says.

“We still see green ammonia as one of many possible fuels for shipping in the future. Currently, it seems more viable for multifuel-ready new buildings than for retrofitting current ships. The study also shows that we need changes on a political and regulatory level to make the change for the existing world fleet,” said Grieg Star's managing director Atle Sommer.

By Konica Bhatt

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