Norwegian developer North Ammonia has suspended work on its planned renewable ammonia project in Eydehavn, Arendal, citing a lack of sufficient political backing.
The decision pauses development of what had been the company's flagship scheme. North Ammonia had targeted a 2025 final investment decision for the 150,000 t/yr plant and aimed to start operations in 2028.
The project was planned at the port of Eydehavn, where the firm secured 171MW of grid capacity and a long-term land lease in 2024. It selected Technip Energies' Genesis unit to carry out initial engineering work.
The company said it paused the Eydehavn project because of a "lack of political support", adding that large industrial projects require significant resources, strong local partnerships and broad political alignment.
North Ammonia intended to supply renewable ammonia as marine fuel for Norway's shipping sector and for export to northern Europe. Shipping firm and shareholder Grieg Edge, with its planned distribution vessel MS Green Ammonia, was listed as a project partner. Other partners include the port of Arendal, and the company also has a supply-chain collaboration with Hoegh Evi, which is developing floating ammonia crackers.
General manager Mikkel Torud said preparatory work completed will be used to support the firm's other early-stage projects along the Norwegian coast — Slagen Energy Hub and Fjord Base.
North Ammonia was established in 2021 by shipping company Grieg Edge, part of Grieg Maritime Group. Swiss Life Asset Managers joined as a 50pc partner in 2024.
