Norwegian offshore shipping company Eidesvik Offshore has taken a significant step in alternative fuel adoption, commencing retrofit work to convert its platform supply vessel Viking Energy from LNG propulsion to ammonia. According to Ship & Bunker, the vessel has entered dock at Halsnoy Dokk where installation of a dual-fuel ammonia engine, supplied by marine technology firm Wärtsilä Marine, is now underway.
From LNG to Ammonia
Delivered in April 2003, Viking Energy is currently equipped with four dual-fuel LNG engines, also from Wärtsilä. The conversion project is being carried out in cooperation with Norwegian energy company Equinor, with the stated aim of advancing lower-emission operations in the offshore sector.
As Ship & Bunker reports, while an increasing number of newbuilds are being ordered with so-called “ammonia-ready” designs that allow for potential future conversion, the Viking Energy project stands out as one of the first to progress into actual retrofit work targeted at ammonia operations.
Upon completion, the vessel is expected to become one of the first offshore ships capable of running on ammonia as a marine fuel in normal operations.
A Rare Milestone in Maritime Decarbonisation
The broader shipping industry has been watching ammonia closely as a potential zero-carbon fuel, given that its combustion does not produce carbon dioxide. However, actual uptake has remained limited, with most progress confined to design studies and newbuild orders carrying ammonia-ready specifications rather than vessels actively operating on the fuel.
The Viking Energy conversion, therefore, represents a concrete step beyond paper commitments — moving ammonia from a future possibility into active operational testing in the offshore segment.
Does This Matter to You?
For vessel operators, charterers, and those monitoring maritime fuel transitions, this development carries practical significance. It demonstrates that ammonia retrofits on existing vessels are technically feasible and are beginning to move from concept to execution. Offshore operators and supply vessel managers may find this project a useful reference point as the industry works toward meeting emissions reduction targets.
For bunkering professionals, the Viking Energy project signals an emerging, albeit nascent, demand signal for ammonia as a marine fuel. Port infrastructure, bunkering logistics, and safety frameworks for ammonia supply remain areas where development is still ongoing.
The collaboration between Eidesvik, Wärtsilä, and Equinor also highlights the role of cross-sector partnerships in moving alternative fuel projects from planning to implementation.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
