Exmar has deemed the christenings of Antwerpen and Arlon as “a landmark milestone,” describing the vessels as “the world’s first” ocean-going ammonia dual fuel midsize gas carriers. This ceremony marks the culmination of a joint development program initiated more than three and a half years ago with HD Hyundai.

While the ammonia dual-fuel technology is perceived to enable CO2 emissions reductions of up to 90% during navigation, the ability to use cargo as fuel is said to offer significant operational flexibility and environmental advantages.

The new vessels are seen as the product of a multi-partner development program involving HD Hyundai, HHI-EMD, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, WinGD, Lloyd’s Register, and Exmar. The 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 claims to have actively contributed to advancing the IMO regulatory framework, enabling guidelines for the use of ammonia as fuel on gas carriers, which is considered to be a critical step for the entire industry.

The 46,000 cubic meter (cbm) vessels, comprising 45,000 cubic meter cargo tanks and two 500 cubic meter deck tanks, are 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,” underlined the European shipping player.

According to the firm, the vessel’s design reflects extensive collaboration through workshops, risk assessments, and rigorous technical reviews, supported by input from its experienced seafarers with decades of ammonia cargo expertise.

Earlier this year, the company completed its largest ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of ammonia to date.

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