DNV has issued an approval in principle for a floating ammonia production unit.

Dutch offshore energy company SwitcH2 and Norwegian company BW Offshore are developing the production unit’s so-called NH3 FPSO concept.

It is to be built by converting a very large crude carrier or a dedicated newbuild vessel.

Receiving power primarily from a wind farm, the unit is designed to produce hydrogen by electrolysis of seawater and nitrogen through the use of an air separation unit, combining these in an ammonia synthesis unit.

The AiP is for the industrial scale concept of the production unit, which affirms the technical feasibility of the design.

DNV said the project is now ready to enter the basic design phase.

Conn Fagan, DNV vice president for Business Development for Floating Production, said the AiP covers all aspects of the integrated vessel concept including structural integrity, mooring, ammonia production, ammonia storage and cargo handling.

“We are pleased to see such developments both with regard to use of renewable energy and as a contribution to emission reduction across many potential applications in different industry sectors,” he said.

According to DNV, the ammonia gas produced by the unit will be condensed, and the liquid ammonia will be stored in the hull in order to be subsequently offloaded to an ammonia carrier.

It said the NH3 FPSO will be permanently moored but can be relocated as necessary through planned disconnect.

The offloading is to be done through a floating hose, reeled from the aft ship to the shuttle ammonia carrier midship manifold. 

“We are delighted we have been awarded the AiP from DNV for our concept and we look forward to working with DNV in the next stages of the project,” SwitcH2 managemebt board member Bob Rietveldt said.

And Fredrik Savio, senior vice president project development at BW Offshore, said the company is using its offshore experience to expedite the energy transition.

“Achieving this AiP is an important milestone and an encouraging step towards a cleaner energy mix,” he said.