Azane says the AIP is an important step in further verifying readiness for the commercialisation of its proprietary ammonia bunkering terminals prior to commencing construction. The first 1,000 cubic metre bunkering terminal is scheduled for operation in 2024. According to Azane, the ammonia bunkering terminals can be delivered worldwide and “are designed to suit the global market”.

The company says the AIP fits within a larger strategy for the company of forging a new safety protocol for ammonia bunkering in Northern Europe, with plans to expand safe ammonia bunkering globally.

Last year the Azane shareholders, Amon Maritime and ECONNECT Energy, received support from Norway’s Green Initiative program for the Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network, along with consortium partners. In April 2022, the company announced that Yara had pre-ordered up-to 15 units to sufficiently cover the Scandinavian market with ammonia bunkering infrastructure.

Following the granting of the AIP, Azane and Yara will initiate an approval process with DSB (Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection) to establish several ammonia bunkering locations in Norway and Scandinavia.

In a related development, Amon Maritime a set up a new offshore support operating company, Amon Offshore. The company has been created to build, own and operate a fleet of ammonia-powered supply ships for the Norwegian continental shelf.  The ammonia fuel will be provided by Azane Fuel Solutions and Yara Clean Ammonia.

The Norwegian government has stated that all PSVs on the Norwegian continental shelf must emit no greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. This requires approximately 80 newbuilds or significantly modified/rebuilt PSVs to be delivered between 2025-2030. Amon says this will be a “massive boost for innovation and value creation in the maritime industry”.

Amon says its PSV has been developed for full compliance with 2030 requirements, offering carbon free operations with best-in-class energy efficiency. It adds that Amon Offshore is working closely with clients to obtain charter contracts, enabling the first ships to be delivered in 2025.