Belgian maritime transportation firm EXMAR has reached a significant industry milestone, taking delivery of what is considered the world’s first oceangoing vessel capable of operating on ammonia fuel, according to Ship & Bunker.
The vessel, named Antwerpen, is a midsize gas carrier with a capacity of 46,000 m³ and can transport both ammonia and LPG. It is fitted with a dual-fuel ammonia engine, as stated by EXMAR in a company release published Wednesday.
A Vessel Built for the Energy Transition
According to Ship & Bunker, EXMAR says the Antwerpen is capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional vessels, a figure the firm states exceeds current IMO emissions reduction targets.
The vessel was constructed by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and was launched in April, as Ship & Bunker had previously reported. The Antwerpen is the first in a series of four ammonia-fuelled ships planned by EXMAR.
“This achievement reflects collective expertise and our commitment to drive sustainable shipping forward,” EXMAR Group CEO Carl-Antoine Saverys said, as quoted by Ship & Bunker.
Bunkering Infrastructure Remains a Challenge
While the delivery marks a commercially significant moment for alternative fuels, Ship & Bunker notes that considerable work remains ahead. Ammonia’s toxicity means that bunkering operations require strict safety measures, and the infrastructure needed to supply the fuel at ports globally is still in early stages of development.
Nevertheless, the broader industry trend appears to be moving in this direction. Ship & Bunker reports that ammonia engines are now becoming commercially available and that shipowners are beginning to place orders for ammonia-capable tonnage.
Does This Matter to You?
The delivery of the Antwerpen has direct relevance across multiple segments of the maritime industry. For those involved in fuel supply, port operations, and vessel procurement, this development signals that ammonia as a marine fuel is moving beyond concept and into commercial operation.
The persistent gap in bunkering infrastructure is a critical consideration. Until ammonia supply chains and safety frameworks are established at key bunkering hubs, the scalability of this fuel type will remain limited. The toxicity of ammonia introduces new layers of complexity for port authorities, terminal operators, and safety planners that differ substantially from existing bunker fuel handling procedures.
For those monitoring the regulatory and decarbonisation landscape, the fact that EXMAR states this vessel already exceeds current IMO targets may add weight to discussions around future fleet compliance strategies.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
