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EXMAR has taken delivery of the MGC ANTWERPEN, a vessel that is thought to be the first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine.
Developed in close collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions (formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions), and Lloyd’s Register, the Midsize Gas Carrier is capable of carrying up to 46,000 m³ of ammonia or LPG. When operating on low-carbon ammonia fuel, the vessel is designed to trade with close to zero emissions, exceeding current International Maritime Organization emissions reduction targets by reducing greenhouse gases by up to 90% compared to conventional ships.
Operational safety was a primary focus during the development phase, drawing on four decades of experience in transporting ammonia and other liquefied gases. Through comprehensive crew training, robust risk assessments, and direct input from project partners and the Belgian administration, ammonia propulsion has been realized alongside the establishment of regulatory frameworks for safe operations.
Carl-Antoine Saverys, Chief Executive Officer of EXMAR Group, commented, “Ammonia propulsion is no longer theoretical—we are deploying it. Change comes through execution, not debate. This achievement reflects collective expertise and our commitment to drive sustainable shipping forward.”
The newbuild represents the first in a planned series of four ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, each of which will be named after a Belgian city. With the delivery of this initial vessel, the gas shipowner and infrastructure developer continues its long-term focus on innovation and maritime transport infrastructure for the handling of ammonia.
