Green NortH2 Energy, Meriaura, and Wärtsilä have signed a letter of intent to build a project cargo vessel that runs on ammonia produced using renewable electricity.

The newbuild will be ordered and operated by Meriaura, Wärtsilä will provide the modular multifuel main engines, and Green NortH2 Energy will supply the fuel (the company will build an electrolysis, green hydrogen & ammonia production plant in Naantali soon).

The parties target 2024 for delivering the ship, with 2026 planned for starting green ammonia operations.

"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," the partners said in a press release.

"This is a natural step in Meriaura's future fleet portfolio, complementing the fuel mix together with our in-house biofuel (LBO) production. This collaboration supports our ongoing newbuilding program and carbon neutrality goals," Jussi Mälkiä, Meriaura's Chairman, underlined.

Jussi Ylinen, Green NortH2 Energy's CEO, added, "The contract shows the significance of our green energy project. We are very happy to join forces with such outstanding partners. This is a great way to speed up the green transition, which is no longer a utopia but a reality."

The project is a continuation of the ship development cooperation between Green NortH2 Energy's parent company Elomatic and Meriaura to renew lake Saimaa's traffic. However, Russia's attack on Ukraine moved the project from Saimaa to the sea.

Photo: Green NortH2 Energy/Meriaura/Wärtsilä