South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has reached a significant milestone in maritime decarbonisation, unveiling what it describes as the world’s first ammonia-powered gas carriers at a naming ceremony held at its Ulsan shipyard. According to Ship & Bunker, the two vessels were built for Belgian shipping company Exmar and represent a concrete step forward in the industry’s transition toward alternative fuels.
Two Vessels, One Historic Moment
The ships — named Antwerpen and Arlon — are both 46,000 cbm mid-sized gas carriers and form part of a broader four-vessel series placed through Exmar LPG France, as reported by Ship & Bunker. Their official deliveries are scheduled for May and July respectively.
Technical Capabilities
Both carriers are equipped with dual-fuel ammonia engines, enabling them to operate on ammonia as a primary fuel. Ship & Bunker notes that the cargo containment systems fitted aboard were developed in-house by HHI, and are designed to facilitate the safe transport of both ammonia and LPG.
Beyond propulsion, the vessels incorporate a range of emission-reduction and safety technologies, including:
- Shaft generator for improved energy efficiency
- Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce exhaust emissions
- Ammonia-specific safety systems, including leak detection and purge recovery mechanisms
Ammonia’s Growing Role in Shipping
Ammonia is increasingly viewed as a promising pathway for decarbonising the shipping sector, though the road ahead is not without challenges. Ship & Bunker highlights that while commercially available ammonia engines are beginning to reach the market, the development of bunkering infrastructure remains a significant hurdle — particularly given ammonia’s toxic properties and the strict safety protocols its handling demands.
The scale of ammonia’s potential, however, is substantial. According to the International Energy Agency, as cited by Ship & Bunker, ammonia could represent 8% of global marine fuel demand by 2030, with that figure potentially climbing to 46% by 2050.
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
