EXMAR in ammonia-powered first

Developed through a collaboration between EXMAR, HD Hyundai, WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions (formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions) and Lloyd’s Register, the newbuild midsize gas carrier is designed to carry up to 46,000 cubic metres of ammonia or liquefied petroleum gas.

According to EXMAR, Antwerpen can operate with close to zero emissions when fuelled by low-carbon ammonia, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared with conventional vessels.

“Ammonia propulsion is no longer theoretical – we are deploying it,” said Carl-Antoine Saverys, chief executive of EXMAR Group.

“Change comes through execution, not debate. This achievement reflects collective expertise and our commitment to drive sustainable shipping forward.”

The delivery is being hailed as a breakthrough for ammonia propulsion, a technology long viewed as a promising pathway to reducing the shipping industry’s carbon footprint. Operational safety has been a central focus throughout the vessel’s development, supported by EXMAR’s four decades of experience transporting ammonia and other liquefied gases.

Comprehensive crew training programmes, detailed risk assessments, and collaboration with industry partners and the Belgian administration have helped establish the regulatory framework needed for safe ammonia-fuelled operations.

Antwerpen is the first of four ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers being built by EXMAR, with each vessel named after a Belgian city. The company said the series reinforces its longstanding commitment to innovation in the maritime transport and handling of ammonia.

The vessel’s delivery positions EXMAR and its partners at the forefront of sustainable shipping innovation as the maritime sector continues to pursue solutions capable of delivering deep emissions reductions while maintaining commercial viability.