A milestone in maritime technology has been reached with the delivery of the Antwerpen, a Belgian gas carrier that is the first oceangoing vessel to operate on an ammonia-fueled engine. This groundbreaking step reflects the shipping industry’s ongoing efforts to transition toward zero-carbon fuels, a pressing necessity in the face of climate change.
The Antwerpen, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, was officially delivered to its owner, EXMAR, on June 10. This delivery followed more than three years of dedicated development, marking a historic moment for low-carbon shipping initiatives. The EXMAR group, based in Antwerp, highlighted the significance of this achievement in advancing the industry’s sustainability agenda.
At the core of the Antwerpen’s innovative design is a collaboration among various experts in the field. This multi-partner effort encompassed engine designer WinGD, engine builder HD Hyundai Engine Machinery Division, fuel-system supplier Nord Gas Solutions (previously known as Wärtsilä Gas Solutions), and classification society Lloyd’s Register. Such collaboration speaks volumes about the engineering prowess and dedication required to make this project a reality.
With a capacity to transport up to 46,000 cubic meters of ammonia or LPG, the Antwerpen’s design introduces a critical breakthrough: its ability to burn the very ammonia it carries as fuel. According to EXMAR, operating on low-carbon ammonia can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90%, compared to traditional vessels fueled by fossil fuels. This dual fuel capability positions the Antwerpen as a pioneer in the maritime sector.
The ship is powered by a WinGD X-DF-A two-stroke engine, which injects ammonia at high pressure while requiring just a small pilot dose of conventional fuel—approximately five percent at full load—for clean combustion. Additionally, incorporating shaft generators and a selective catalytic reduction system enhances the vessel’s eco-friendliness by removing nitrogen oxides from its exhaust, reflecting a well-rounded approach to sustainability.
While ammonia is attractive as a marine fuel due to its zero-carbon emissions, it is also toxic, necessitating thoughtful safety measures in the design. The Antwerpen is equipped with real-time gas detectors to monitor for leaks, along with an ammonia purge recovery unit and other detection systems to ensure the safety of crew and environment alike. Drawing from four decades of experience in hauling ammonia, EXMAR collaborated with the Belgian maritime administration and Lloyd’s Register to build a comprehensive safety case for utilizing ammonia in an engine room setting.
Measuring 190 meters long and with a deadweight of 27,000 tonnes, the Antwerpen’s design includes a ten-meter stretch for enhanced cargo capacity compared to standard carriers of its class. This modification illustrates EXMAR’s commitment to maximizing efficiency while transitioning to greener technology.
The Antwerpen is just the first of a fleet of four ammonia dual-fuel gas carriers ordered from HD Hyundai, each named after a prominent Belgian city. Following Antwerpen and its sister ship Arlon—both unveiled at the Ulsan shipyard in April—two more vessels are slated for completion later this year, with the final ship scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
The delivery of the Antwerpen comes at a time when regulators and shipowners are evaluating ammonia’s role in decarbonizing fleets. Just last May, the International Maritime Organization approved interim guidelines for using ammonia as a fuel source in gas carriers, marking a significant regulatory milestone. Industry observers, including HD Hyundai, point to forecasts from the International Energy Agency, which suggest that ammonia could fulfill as much as 8% of marine fuel demand by 2030, increasing to nearly half by 2050.
For EXMAR, this handover marks the transition of a long-standing engineering project into a working maritime vessel. According to Carl-Antoine Saverys, EXMAR’s chief executive, “Ammonia propulsion is no longer theoretical—we are deploying it.” The true test will now occur at sea, where the performance of the Antwerpen will play a crucial role in shaping future vessels and the regulatory frameworks that govern them.
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