A vessel described as the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier has completed sea trials and is about to start its maiden voyage to Australia.
Built at the Qingdao Beihai Shipyard in China, the dry bulk carrier Mineral Europe is owned by Belgian shipowner CMB.TECH and represents the company's first ammonia-powered vessel in a planned series.
Equipped with a dual-fuel ammonia engine, Mineral Europa can operate on both ammonia and conventional marine fuels.
As part of a bigger program, CMB.TECH plans to deliver 21 ammonia-powered ships until 2029, including 18 dry bulk carriers, one container vessel and two chemical tankers.
Most are expected to be delivered within the next nine months, the company said.
"Today marks a defining moment for CMB.TECH and for the shipping industry. After almost a decade of hard work, we are proving that decarbonising shipping is no longer a distant ambition. It is happening today," said Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH.
"Mineral Europa is the first of its kind, but many more will follow in the months and years ahead. At a time when the need to decarbonise shipping and strengthen energy independence has never been greater, our technology and our ships are a game changer for shipping."