To refuel zero-emissions vessels along its coast, Norway is looking to build value chains for both hydrogen and ammonia as a marine fuel, and in its latest effort, has selected 15 projects for financial support.
Enova SF, the Norwegian state-owned enterprise that is part of its Ministry of Climate and Environment, said the selected projects aim to develop ammonia bunkering infrastructure along the Norwegian coast from Oslofjord to Troms.
The deadline for applications closed on 15 January and Enova “received more applications than we expected in this round,” said funding manager for the agency’s support programme, Pre-project maritime technology, Børge Noddeland.
Among the selected applicants were Ammonia AS, Azane Fuel Solutions AS, Boreal Sea AS, Grieg Ammonia Distribution Vessels AS, Hitra Municipality, Iverson eFuels AS, Neptune Trømso AS and Skiga AS.
These ammonia bunkering projects receive up to Nkr500,000 (US$45M) in support, and applicants have six months to mature their development concepts to an investment decision and realisation.
During the next round later in 2025, selected projects will be able to apply for investment support under ‘Bunkering facilities for ammonia’ programme. Enova said support will be awarded through a competition, “where cost-effectiveness is likely to be an important ranking criterion,” but it has not yet determined the final arrangement for ranking criteria. Up to 80% of the project cost could be covered.
Availability of green ammonia and hydrogen is critical to supporting a growing fleet of alternative fuel-capable ships in operation and under construction. In December, Enova awarded grants totalling Nkr1.22Bn (US$107.2M) – its largest single application round – for seven ammonia-fuelled vessels, two hydrogen-powered cruise ships, and five electric-powered vessels. Among those were five ammonia-powered platform supply vessels operated by Aurora Offshore, DOF Group and Eidesvik Offshore.