Höegh Evi, a global leader in marine energy infrastructure, and Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, a division of the Wärtsilä technology group, have announced the successful completion of the world’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker. This breakthrough marks a major advancement in clean energy innovation, enabling floating import terminals to produce hydrogen at industrial scale from transported ammonia. Launched in April 2023, the project forms part of Norway’s Green Platform programme.
The ammonia cracker features a modular design suitable for integration into hybrid Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) as well as dedicated Floating Hydrogen Terminals. The technology supports a scalable sendout capacity of up to 210,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, with ammonia storage ranging between 10,000m³ and 120,000m³.
Illustration: Höegh Evi
Erik Nyheim, CEO of Höegh Evi, stated:“The floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker developed by Höegh Evi, Wärtsilä and partners is a game-changer for the hydrogen economy and the energy transition in Europe. Our floating terminals and cracking technology can unlock the full potential of global value chains for green hydrogen, providing European industry with a reliable supply of clean energy within this decade.”
Walter Reggente, vice president of Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, added:
“This pioneering development of the floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker represents a significant leap forward in our quest for sustainable energy solutions. Together with Höegh Evi and our partners, we are not only addressing the challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation but also paving the way for a more resilient and flexible energy infrastructure.”
Powered by Norway’s Legacy in Marine Energy Innovation
The project has received approximately EUR 5.9 million in support from Norway’s Green Platform initiative, covering around 50 percent of the total project cost. The ammonia cracker was constructed at the Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre in Stord, Norway. Key contributors to the initiative include the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), the University of South-Eastern Norway, Sustainable Energy, and BASF SE.
Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway, said:
“The future of energy must be green, and it’s our job to be part of the technological development necessary to achieve this goal. We are very happy for this project.”
Innovation Norway, the country’s trade promotion organisation, plays a central role in allocating funding under the Green Platform programme.
Enabling Europe’s Hydrogen Ambitions
Aligned with the European Union’s REPowerEU strategy, which sets a target to import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030, the floating ammonia-to-hydrogen technology offers a timely solution for expanding hydrogen supply chains. As the hydrogen grid develops, floating infrastructure equipped with ammonia cracking capabilities can provide essential baseload energy and support decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors.
To support this ambition, Höegh Evi is actively developing several hydrogen terminal projects across Europe, with the first facilities expected to begin operations before the end of the decade.
For more information visit www.hoeghevi.com
