Belgian maritime group CMB.TECH has deployed Mineral Europa, described as the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier, on its maiden voyage to Australia, marking a significant development in the shipping industry’s transition towards lower-emission fuels.
Built by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry in China, the 210,000-DWT Newcastlemax vessel is equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on ammonia or conventional marine fuel. The vessel has completed sea trials and entered service under a charter arrangement with Australian mining company Fortescue.
For its maiden voyage, the vessel reportedly bunkered approximately 1,000 tonnes of green ammonia. When produced using renewable energy, green ammonia can offer a pathway to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from shipping compared with conventional marine fuels.
The deployment follows Fortescue’s agreement with CMB.TECH’s dry bulk shipping division, Bocimar, to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable Newcastlemax vessels. The arrangement includes up to three ammonia dual-fuel vessels and nine additional ships designed to be converted to ammonia propulsion in the future.
CMB.TECH plans to introduce 21 ammonia-powered vessels into its fleet by 2029. The programme comprises 18 dry bulk carriers, one container ship and two chemical tankers, with most deliveries expected over the coming months.
The company is also working to develop the supporting fuel infrastructure needed for wider adoption of ammonia in maritime transport. Fuel availability, onboard safety, ammonia toxicity and the management of nitrogen oxide emissions remain important considerations for the technology’s commercial expansion.
The maiden voyage of Mineral Europa represents a notable step towards alternative-fuel shipping, demonstrating the potential for ammonia propulsion in large ocean-going cargo vessels. Its performance and operational experience could help shape the wider adoption of ammonia as the maritime sector works to reduce its environmental footprint.