EXMAR marks a landmark milestone with the namings of the world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual fuel mid- size gas carriers (MGC), the culmination of a joint development program initiated more than three and a half years ago with HD Hyundai.

The 46,000 m³ vessels named ANTWERPEN and ARLON — comprising 45,000 m³ cargo tanks and two 500 m³ deck tanks — are purpose-built in close cooperation with the yard. Through a deliberate extension of the vessel’s length by 10 metres and a slight increase in beam, we achieved a meaningfully higher cargo intake compared to the standard design.

Safety at the Core

The safety of seafarers is EXMAR’s top priority. The vessel’s design reflects extensive collaboration through workshops, risk assessments, and rigorous technical reviews, supported by input from EXMAR’s experienced seafarers with decades of ammonia cargo expertise. Working closely with Lloyd’s Register and the Administration, EXMAR actively contributed to advancing the IMO regulatory framework, enabling guidelines for the use of ammonia as fuel on gas carriers — a critical step for the entire industry.

Environmental and Operational Impact

The ammonia dual fuel technology enables CO₂ emission reductions of up to 90% during navigation. The ability to use cargo as fuel represents significant operational flexibility and environmental advantage. The vessel is the product of a multi-partner development program involving HD Hyundai, HHI-EMD, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, WinGD, Lloyd’s Register, and EXMAR. Propulsion systems have undergone extensive testing at HD Hyundai’s facilities over a significant number of operating hours.

Today’s naming ceremonies mark an important milestone in EXMAR’s four decades of ammonia and LPG transportation.
Source: EXMAR