Findings from our PSV Retrofit Project
The maritime industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while governments are implementing stricter environmental regulations.The Retrofit project was a response to these challenges and aims to contribute to emissions reduction in the offshore industry, leveraging the unique maritime expertise found in the Vestland region. A comprehensive report has been delivered, exploring the potential of hydrogen- and ammonia-based energy solutions. It examines investment and operational costs, fuel availability, and infrastructure requirements, while also assessing the impact of retrofit activities on job creation and regional economic growth.
The project was launched in 2023 by Ocean Hyway Cluster, with partners from across the maritime value chain, and received NOK 1.3 million in support from the Vestland County Municipality.
For a comprehensive overview of the project's findings, see the full project report. Members in Ocean Hyway Cluster can access the full report in our membership database. Non-members can access chapter 1: overview and summary.
Retrofitting the offshore fleet
The goal was to address the significant potential for retrofitting the offshore fleet. There are over 300 offshore vessels in Norway, many of which are in the middle of their lifespans. Such retrofitting could reduce emissions by as much as 50–70% per vessel and have a significant impact on the industry. However, the sector faces challenges related to uncertainties around capital costs, operational costs, and the limited availability of zero-emission fuels.
The project places great emphasis on collaboration across the maritime value chain, involving shipyards, technology providers, and maritime stakeholders. Shipyards in Vestland County, known for their expertise in retrofitting, stand to benefit from increased activity and innovation in maritime technology. Retrofitting PSVs could not only lead to job creation and export opportunities for Norwegian technology suppliers but also strengthen Vestland as a regional leader in sustainable maritime solutions.
Key findings
The Retrofit Project confirms that retrofitting Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) to use hydrogen or ammonia as fuels is technically achievable, though it comes with significant challenges. The project emphasizes the potential for these fuels to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the offshore sector, when produced from renewable sources. However, the costs associated with retrofitting, including fuel system upgrades, storage solutions, and safety enhancements, are substantial and today rely heavily on subsidies and incentives to be economically viable.
A critical barrier remains the lack of established bunkering infrastructure for hydrogen and ammonia, which complicates fuel supply logistics and delays adoption. Despite these challenges, retrofitting presents broader economic opportunities, such as driving job creation, supporting shipyards, and positioning maritime hubs like Vestland County as leaders in green innovation.
The evolving regulatory landscape adds another layer of complexity, with unclear standards for handling hydrogen and ammonia creating planning uncertainties. Collaboration between public and private sectors, alongside clear policy frameworks, is essential to overcoming these challenges. The project underlines that retrofitting is not just a technical exercise but a pivotal step in achieving global decarbonization targets and ensuring the maritime industry’s long-term sustainability.
The report provides a more detailed analysis of the technical, economic, regulatory, and infrastructure-related findings.
For comprehensive information, please see the full report.
See chapter 1 for overview and summary.
