Höegh Evi Validates Ammonia-to-Hydrogen Cracking Technology for Floating Import Terminals
Höegh Evi and Nord Gas Solutions have successfully validated their ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology following performance testing at the Sustainable Energy pilot plant in Stord, Norway, marking a significant step towards large-scale hydrogen import infrastructure.
The pilot cracker achieved strong results across key performance indicators, including conversion efficiency, hydrogen yield, operational flexibility and process stability. According to the companies, the system converts ammonia into hydrogen through a single, stable process while producing hydrogen with a purity exceeding 99.5%.
Designed with a modular architecture, the technology can be deployed in both floating import terminals and land-based facilities, offering flexibility for regions seeking to expand hydrogen supply without the need for extensive new pipeline infrastructure. Höegh Evi is developing floating hydrogen terminals capable of delivering up to 200,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, targeting industrial-scale demand.
The successful testing strengthens the commercial case for using ammonia as a transport medium for hydrogen. Ammonia can be shipped using established maritime infrastructure before being converted back into hydrogen at import terminals, providing an alternative route for supplying low-carbon hydrogen to energy-intensive industries.
Höegh Evi said the results demonstrate the technology’s high performance, operational stability and efficient ammonia conversion, while Nord Gas Solutions described the testing programme as an important milestone confirming the reliability and scalability of ammonia cracking for industrial applications.
The companies believe European ports will play a central role in the emerging hydrogen economy as import hubs for ammonia cargoes, with floating and onshore terminals expected to support the continent’s growing demand for clean hydrogen. Höegh Evi is already advancing several terminal projects across Europe where the ammonia cracking technology is planned for deployment.
The technology has been developed with financial support from the Norwegian Green Platform programme through a consortium comprising Höegh Evi, Nord Gas Solutions, BASF, the University of South-Eastern Norway, Sustainable Energy and the Institute for Energy Technology. The collaboration aims to accelerate commercial deployment of ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion technologies as global hydrogen production and international trade continue to expand.
