Exmar Unveils World’s First Ocean-Going Ammonia Dual-Fuel MGCs
Belgian shipping company Exmar has unveiled a naming ceremony for two ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers (MGC), held in South Korea.
Exmar described the christenings of Antwerpen and Arlon as “a landmark milestone,” calling the vessels “the world’s first” ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers. The ceremony marks the culmination of a joint development program initiated more than three and a half years ago with HD Hyundai.
The ammonia dual-fuel technology is expected to enable CO2 emissions reductions of up to 90% during navigation. In addition, the ability to use cargo as fuel offers significant operational flexibility and environmental advantages.
The vessels are the result of a multi-partner development program involving HD Hyundai, HHI-EMD, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, WinGD, Lloyd’s Register, and Exmar. Their propulsion systems have undergone extensive testing at HD Hyundai’s facilities over a significant number of operating hours.
Working closely with Lloyd’s Register and the Administration, Exmar has also contributed to advancing the IMO regulatory framework. This effort enabled guidelines for the use of ammonia as fuel on gas carriers, a step considered critical for the entire industry.
Each vessel has a capacity of 46,000 cubic meters (cbm), comprising 45,000 cubic meter cargo tanks and two 500 cubic meter deck tanks. The ships were purpose-built in close cooperation with the South Korean yard.
“Through a deliberate extension of the vessel’s length by 10 meters and a slight increase in beam, we achieved a meaningfully higher cargo intake compared to the standard design,” the company noted.
The vessel design reflects extensive collaboration through workshops, risk assessments, and rigorous technical reviews. This process was supported by input from experienced seafarers with decades of ammonia cargo expertise.
Earlier this year, Exmar also completed its largest ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of ammonia to date.
