Green NortH2 Energy, Meriaura and Wärtsilä have signed a Letter of Intent for building of a project cargo vessel that runs on green ammonia. The delivery of the vessel is targeted for 2024 and it is planned to start operating on green ammonia in 2026.
The vessel will be equipped with Wärtsilä’s modular multifuel main engines and will be ordered and operated by Meriaura. Green NortH2 Energy is responsible for supplying green ammonia fuel, which is produced with renewable electricity.
Green ammonia has a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions of shipping because the energy needs of this industry cannot be met with battery technology. Compared to hydrogen, it can be stored and moved more easily, and its logistical network already exists.
Also read: University of Nottingham leads research effort for ships using green ammonia
Project cargo
The vessel is designed to trade in heavy project cargo segment together with Meriaura’s existing open deck carriers. Besides ammonia, it can be powered by bio oil or marine diesel oil (MDO).
‘This is a natural step in Meriaura’s future fleet portfolio, complementing the fuel mix together with our in-house biofuel (LBO) production,’ says Jussi Mälkiä, Chairman of Meriaura. ‘This collaboration supports our ongoing newbuilding programme and carbon neutrality goals.’
The project is a continuation of the ship development cooperation between Green NortH2 Energy’s parent company Elomatic and Meriaura, which was started to renew lake Saimaa’s traffic. However, Russia’s attack on Ukraine moved the project from Saimaa to the sea.
Also read: Wärtsilä launches engine ready for carbon-free fuels
