Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, a division of the technology group Wärtsilä, and Höegh Evi, a leader in marine energy infrastructure, have announced the successful development of the world’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker. This innovative technology allows floating import terminals to produce hydrogen on an industrial scale from ammonia transported via ships, representing a significant advancement in the energy transition. The project was unveiled in April 2023 as part of Norway’s green platform initiative.
Designed for industrial applications, the modular ammonia cracker can be integrated into hybrid Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) as well as dedicated Floating Hydrogen Terminals. The technology offers scalability with a sendout capacity of up to 210,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, complemented by ammonia storage capabilities ranging from 10,000m³ to 120,000m³. Erik Nyheim, CEO of Höegh Evi, described the project as transformative for the hydrogen economy and Europe’s energy transition.
He highlighted that their floating terminals and cracking technology can maximize the potential of global value chains for green hydrogen, ensuring a reliable supply of clean energy for European industries within the decade. Kjell Ove Ulstein, Sales & Marketing Director of Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, emphasized the importance of this development in addressing the challenges surrounding hydrogen storage and transportation, while also enhancing energy infrastructure resilience. The project has drawn approximately EUR 5.9 million in funding from the Norwegian Government’s green platform program, covering about 50% of the total budget.
Constructed at the Norwegian Catapult Center in Stord, the initiative also involved partners like the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) and BASF SE. As per the EU’s REPower strategy, Europe aims to import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030. This floating ammonia cracking technology will facilitate large-scale hydrogen imports, crucial to supporting hard-to-abate industries and enhancing the stability of the energy grid.
With hydrogen’s potential as a sustainable fuel on the rise, ammonia presents a more efficient means of storage and transportation, ultimately converting back to hydrogen at the point of use.