Norway’s ammonia bunkering facility granted safety permit

The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has approved the construction of the planned ammonia bunkering facility at Fjord Base in Florø, Norway, marking a pivotal moment in the push for low-emission shipping fuels.

Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane and Fjord Base said the approval indicates that the planned ammonia bunkering terminal, which consists of a floating stationary barge with a capacity of 1000 cubic meters, or 650 tons, of low-emission ammonia, can meet the “strict safety requirement of the DSB.”

Magnus Ankarstrand, president Yara Clean Ammonia, said: “We are grateful for the permit awarded from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection. This acknowledges how ammonia can be used safely and efficiently as a shipping fuel at the site in Kinn.”

The green light from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection allows for up to 416 operations annually, many of these expected to be bunkering operations for offshore supply vessels that regularly call at Fjord Base in Florø.

As it is reported, Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane and Fjord Base will now commence work with their project partners to obtain a permit with the local municipality before a final investment decision.

As demand “gains momentum in Norway” ENOVA, which manages the Norwegian Climate and Energy fund on behalf of the government, is planning ammonia grant tenders for both ammonia powered ships and ammonia infrastructure in 2024.

There are multiple newbuilding projects in the pipeline, and ongoing ammonia-powered Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) tender processes.

Steinar Kostøl, VP projects and products, Azane, pointed out: “This marks a milestone for ammonia as a fuel. Now we finally know with certainty the safety zones we will have to operate under when bunkering ammonia. The required safety zones are very encouraging and demonstrate how it will be possible to bunker ammonia in the biggest and busiest ports around the world.”

Stig Førde, chief executive of Fjord Base, noted: “The development of an ammonia bunkering terminal marks a significant step forward in this endeavor, bolstering our competitive edge at Fjord Base and showcasing our dedication to sustainability.”

^{Source: Yara International ASA}