World’s First Floating Ammonia-to-Hydrogen Cracker Launched in Norway

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  • Wärtsilä Gas Solutions and Höegh Evi have launched the world’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker in Stord, Norway.

  • This pioneering technology allows industrial-scale production of hydrogen from ammonia at floating import terminals, supporting Europe’s clean energy goals.

  • The system is modular and scalable, capable of producing up to 210,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, with ammonia storage from 10,000m³ to 120,000m³.

  • The project is co-funded by Innovation Norway’s Green Platform programme, with €5.9 million in government funding.

In a major leap for clean energy infrastructure, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions and Höegh Evi have officially launched the world’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker in Stord, Norway. This revolutionary technology enables green hydrogen to be economically transported and then cracked from ammonia at the point of use, dramatically simplifying global hydrogen supply chains.

Ammonia: The Hydrogen Carrier of the Future

Hydrogen is viewed as a cornerstone of global decarbonization efforts, but its low energy density and transportation challenges have slowed adoption. In contrast, ammonia is easier to store and transport, making it an ideal hydrogen carrier. The floating cracker bridges the gap, converting ammonia back to hydrogen upon arrival, ready for use in energy grids or heavy industry.

Scalable, Modular, and Ready for Deployment

  • The system is designed to integrate Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) and dedicated floating hydrogen terminals.

  • Send-out capacity: Up to 210,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year.

  • Ammonia storage: From 10,000m³ to 120,000m³, supporting flexible deployment based on local demand.

Strategic Importance for Europe

The EU’s REPower strategy calls for the import of 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030. With floating import terminals and cracking infrastructure, Europe can bypass the need for immediate pipeline development and begin large-scale hydrogen imports this decade.

Global Collaboration and Norwegian Innovation

The project was developed with contributions from:

  • Institute for Energy Technology (IFE)

  • University of South-East Norway

  • Sustainable Energy

  • BASF SE

Constructed at the Sustainable Energy Catapult Center in Stord, the ammonia cracker is a testament to Norwegian innovation and global collaboration.

Leadership Quotes

  • Erik Nyheim, CEO, Höegh Evi:
    “The floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker developed by Höegh Evi, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions 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.”

  • Kjell Ove Ulstein, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions:
    “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.” 

  • Håkon Haugli, CEO, Innovation Norway:
    “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 about this project.”

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Source: Wärtsilä