The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has approved the construction of an ammonia bunkering facility at Fjord Base in Florø, Norway.
Ammonia, known for its low emission levels, has been identified as a potential alternative to conventional shipping fuels. Despite interest being high, the final bridge from production plant to vessel has been absent until now. However, this obstacle has been overcome by Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane and Fjord Base, who have showcased how the planned ammonia bunkering terminal can comply with the DSB’s stringent safety requirements.
The prospective terminal is expected to comprise a stationary floating barge with a capacity of approximately 1000 cubic meters, or 650 tons, of low-emission ammonia. It is permitted to conduct up to 416 operations annually, with a significant number expected to be bunkering operations particularly for offshore supply vessels that regularly visit Fjord Base in Florø.
This terminal is an endeavor by Yara Clean Ammonia and Azane to promote low-emission ammonia as a mainstream shipping fuel. Given ammonia’s potential to completely decarbonize the maritime sector, the companies aim to establish a network of terminals throughout Scandinavia. This adventure is critical to meet the rising demand for ammonia as a shipping fuel, and to motivate ship operators and owners to transition from high-emitting but cheaper fuels to the low-emission alternative of ammonia.
This initiative is seeing some traction in Norway as ENOVA, who manages the Norwegian Climate and Energy fund on behalf of the government, plans ammonia grant tenders for both ammonia-powered ships and ammonia infrastructure in 2024.
