Belgian shipping company EXMAR has marked a major milestone in maritime decarbonization by launching the world’s first oceangoing ammonia-powered gas carrier.
The vessel, built at HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea, was officially launched on July 26, ushering in a new era of alternative-fuel shipping.
Pioneering Propulsion: Ammonia-Powered Engine and Green Tech
The 46,000 cbm LPG/ammonia carrier is powered by an ammonia two-stroke engine (X52DF-A) developed by WinGD, a Swiss marine engine company. Measuring 190 meters long and 30.4 meters wide, the ship has three cargo holds designed to carry liquefied gas such as LPG and ammonia.
To enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions, the vessel is equipped with multiple eco-friendly technologies. These include a shaft generator that produces electricity from the main engine’s rotation and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to control nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
First of Four Groundbreaking Vessels for EXMAR
This vessel is the first of four ammonia-powered sister ships under construction at HD Hyundai Mipo for EXMAR. Upon delivery, all four ships will be operated by EXMAR LPG France, a dedicated subsidiary established in November 2024 to oversee this next-generation fleet.
EXMAR’s ammonia-powered carrier represents a significant leap toward zero-carbon shipping. With this launch, the company is not only pioneering clean fuel technology but also setting a precedent for future sustainable maritime operations. As global shipping moves toward greener alternatives, vessels like this could play a central role in meeting emissions reduction targets.
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Source: OFFSHORE ENERGY
