ANTWERP, BELGIUM – July 2025 – EXMAR, a diversified and independent shipping group serving the international gas and oil industry, has announced the successful launch of its groundbreaking ammonia-fueled gas carrier at HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea. This pivotal achievement marks EXMAR’s first ammonia-powered vessel, underscoring its profound commitment to the energy transition and leveraging decades of unparalleled expertise in ammonia handling and transport.
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Pioneering Ammonia Propulsion Technology
The 46,000 cbm LPG/ammonia carrier, launched on July 26, represents a significant milestone in the global maritime industry’s journey towards decarbonization. It is the first in a series of such innovative vessels, with EXMAR LPG France set to operate this initial newbuild and its sister ships. The vessel is equipped with an advanced WinGD X52DF-A ammonia two-stroke dual-fuel engine. This state-of-the-art engine, developed through close collaboration with WinGD, is specifically designed to utilize ammonia as its primary fuel source, capable of achieving near-zero carbon emissions during operation. The engine’s robust performance has been validated with a targeted pilot fuel dose of around 5% at full load for ignition, demonstrating the viability of ammonia as a high-potential marine fuel.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for EXMAR, and we are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this critical industry shift,” an EXMAR shared. “This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team, along with our valued partners at HD Hyundai and WinGD. After four decades of safely and efficiently transporting over 100 million tons of ammonia as cargo, we are now pioneering its use as a future-proof, zero-carbon energy source for propulsion. This proactive approach to decarbonizing the maritime sector offers a real choice for shipowners navigating evolving regulatory and market demands.”
Four Decades of Ammonia Transport Legacy and Unrivaled Expertise
EXMAR’s leadership in ammonia as a marine fuel is built upon an unparalleled 40-year legacy in ammonia transport, beginning in 1983 with shipments on the 24,000 m³ vessel TIELRODE. Over the past four decades, EXMAR has consistently been at the forefront of designing innovative LPG/NH3 tankers, steadily increasing cargo capacities to 33,000 m³ by 1990, 38,000 m³ by 2005, and now reaching 46,000 m³ with its 7th generation MGC design in 2025. Throughout these capacity expansions, EXMAR has ensured seamless operations by maintaining full compatibility with existing port infrastructure.
This extensive operational and technical experience is further highlighted by the transportation of over 100 million tons of NH3 by EXMAR over this period, cementing its position as one of the most experienced companies globally in ammonia handling. This deep institutional knowledge is crucial for navigating the complexities of ammonia as a marine fuel, encompassing its safe handling, storage, and operational considerations.
Commitment to Safety and Seafarer Engagement
The vessel’s design incorporates comprehensive safety measures, such as double-walled piping for ammonia lines outside cargo areas, real-time leak detection systems, and water spraying systems to mitigate potential releases. These features build on EXMAR’s stringent safety protocols and align with the IMO’s Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Ammonia as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ. 1687), providing confidence in the secure operation of ammonia-fueled vessels.
Crucially, EXMAR has actively engaged its highly experienced seafarers in the design process of these ammonia-powered vessels. Through dedicated sessions, valuable feedback from the crew who will operate these ships is incorporated, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed, and further enhancing operational safety and efficiency. This collaborative approach, combined with a demonstrated history of successfully introducing innovative fuel propulsion technologies (such as dual-fuel LPG and LNG propulsion), positions EXMAR uniquely to lead the industry.
Ammonia: A Key Zero-Carbon Marine Fuel for the Future
Ammonia is gaining significant traction as a promising zero-carbon marine fuel due to its lack of carbon in combustion, offering substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions (up to 90% with renewable ammonia) compared to conventional fuels. While the industry continues to develop comprehensive bunkering infrastructure and evolve regulatory frameworks for ammonia, EXMAR’s proactive deployment positions it at the forefront of this evolving landscape, demonstrating the fuel’s viability and paving the way for wider adoption.
The vessel is also equipped with various eco-friendly technologies, including a shaft generator for electricity production and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device to manage NOx emissions, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The ability to switch seamlessly between ammonia and conventional fuels ensures operational flexibility and reliability.
EXMAR remains dedicated to creating long-term shareholder value by balancing market volatility with tailored customer solutions, all while prioritizing the quality of its fleet, personnel safety, and environmental protection. This ammonia-fueled vessel embodies these core values, setting a new benchmark for sustainable gas transport and paving the way for wider adoption of ammonia in the bunkering ecosystem.
About EXMAR
EXMAR is a diversified and independent shipping group serving the international gas and oil industry. With a rich history spanning decades, EXMAR specializes in the transportation of liquefied gas products (LPG, ammonia, LNG) and provides comprehensive industrial marine and energy logistical solutions, including regasification and liquefaction. The company offers commercial, technical, and administrative management services, committed to delivering sustainable growth through a focus on fleet quality, safety, and environmental stewardship. EXMAR is publicly listed on Euronext Brussels.
Source EXMAR Group