Belgian gas shipper Exmar launches world's first oceangoing vessel powered by ammonia
Belgian gas shipping company Exmar has completed construction of the first oceangoing vessel to be partly powered by an ammonia engine. The Antwerp-headquartered company made the announcement on Wednesday.
The ship, named MGC ANTWERPEN, is fitted with a dual-fuel engine, meaning it can also run on conventional diesel. When operating on low-carbon ammonia, the ship produces virtually no emissions, delivering a reduction in greenhouse gases of up to 90 per cent compared to conventional vessels.
Exmar describes the milestone as "a very important step towards low-carbon shipping" and says it "places Exmar and its partners at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation."
Safety hurdles remain
Ammonia propulsion is not without challenges. The substance is both highly toxic and explosive, requiring an extremely complex safety infrastructure. There are also concerns about nitrogen oxide emissions, raising the question of whether one pollutant is simply being replaced by another.
Exmar acknowledges these risks but says safety was central to the development process. "We drew on our four decades of experience in transporting ammonia and other liquid gases," the company said. "Thanks to extensive crew training and collaboration with the Belgian government, ammonia propulsion has now been realised and regulatory frameworks established for safe operations."
The MGC ANTWERPEN rolled off the production line in early April at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. Other partners in the project included WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions and Lloyd's Register. The consortium has described the vessel as "a historic milestone for shipping."
#FlandersNewsService | PHOTO © Exmar
Related news
