ABB has signed a term sheet agreement with SwitcH2 to provide automation and electrification solutions for a floating green ammonia production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The unit will produce green ammonia from renewable hydrogen to meet future low-carbon marine fuel demand.
The FPSO will operate off the coast of Portugal and use renewable electricity from the national grid under a Power Purchase Agreement. It will feature a 300 MW electrolyzer capable of producing up to 243,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually.
ABB will supply a prefabricated eHouse, electrical distribution systems, and the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) with full cyber security. These modular systems will integrate with third-party equipment, including electrolyzers and ammonia synthesis units, ensuring safe and efficient operations offshore.
The vessel will produce green hydrogen from treated seawater using electrolysis. This hydrogen will combine with nitrogen extracted from the air to create green ammonia. The ammonia will then be condensed, stored onboard, and transferred to carrier ships via a floating hose system. It can be used as marine fuel or converted back to hydrogen for industrial use.
“By integrating ABB’s advanced systems, we are accelerating innovation and shaping the future of energy at sea,” said Saskia Kunst, CEO of SwitcH2. ABB’s technologies will help the FPSO operate efficiently while supporting decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping, which contributes around two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Front-end engineering and design will continue until summer 2026. A Final Investment Decision is expected by the third quarter of 2026, with detailed engineering and construction planned for 2027.
