Historic game-changer at sea: Exmar’s first of four ammonia dual-fuel vessels delivered

June 10, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Belgian shipping company Exmar has celebrated the delivery of the first in a series of four newbuild dual-fuel ammonia midsize gas carriers (MGCs), seen as a breakthrough in the green shipping quest and a landmark milestone in the firm’s attempt to future-proof its vessel fleet.

Ammonia-powered MGC Antwerpen; Source: Exmar

While announcing the first-ever newbuild dual-fuel ammonia oceangoing vessel delivery, Exmar described the milestone as a historic step in low-carbon shipping, spotlighting MGC Antwerpen as the first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine.

Developed in close collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions, formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, and Lloyd’s Register, the vessel is capable of carrying up to 46,000 cubic meters of ammonia or LPG and trading with close to zero emissions when using low-carbon ammonia fuel.

According to the European shipping player, the MGC Antwerpen meets and exceeds current IMO emissions-reduction targets, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional ships.

Carl-Antoine Saverys, Chief Executive Officer of Exmar Group, commented: “Ammonia propulsion is no longer theoretical—we are deploying it. Change comes through execution, not debate. This achievement reflects collective expertise and our commitment to drive sustainable shipping forward.”

This gas shipowner and infrastructure developer is awaiting delivery of three more ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, each named after a Belgian city. With the delivery of Antwerpen, the firm claims to continue its tradition of innovation in maritime transport and handling of ammonia.

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The company sees the delivery of its newbuild MGC as a decisive step forward in the decarbonization of shipping, positioning the Belgian player and its partners at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation.

Exmar underlined: “Operational safety has been a key focus throughout development, drawing on Exmar’s four decades of experience transporting ammonia and other liquefied gases.

“With comprehensive crew training, robust risk assessments, and input from leading partners and the Belgian administration, ammonia propulsion is now realized and regulatory frameworks are established for safe operations.”

The vessel delivery comes nearly two months after the Belgian shipowner began conversion of a new floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) bound for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Netherlands.