Ammonia-Powered Ships Gain Momentum in Maritime Industry
| ShipUniverse: News Summary | ||
| Category | Key Developments | Industry Impact |
| New Vessel Orders | CMB.TECH and MOL are teaming up to develop nine ammonia-powered ships, including bulkers and chemical tankers, with deliveries from 2026 to 2029. | These deals push ammonia propulsion closer to large-scale commercial use and give both companies a head start on meeting long-term emissions goals. |
| Engine Development | MAN and WinGD are making progress on ammonia-fueled engines, with test systems underway and commercial deliveries expected by late 2025 or early 2026. | Engine breakthroughs are key to unlocking ammonia's full potential—without reliable power systems, ships can’t transition to this new fuel type. |
| Shipbuilding Activity | Yards like Hyundai Mipo and EXMAR have begun cutting steel on ammonia-ready and dual-fuel vessels scheduled for 2026 delivery. | Actual builds are now in motion—not just plans on paper—so ammonia-fueled vessels could be on the water within two years. |
| Infrastructure & Safety | Global ports are beginning to prep for ammonia bunkering, but safety rules are still evolving given ammonia’s toxic profile. | Infrastructure and regulatory readiness will make or break early adoption—without safe fueling and clear guidance, operators may hesitate to commit. |
| Industry Momentum | Companies like Hapag-Lloyd, MOL, and others are ordering ammonia-ready vessels or running pilot transfers to explore the fuel’s viability. | The shift toward ammonia isn’t hype—it’s now part of long-term fleet strategy for several major players aiming to decarbonize. |
The maritime sector is witnessing a significant shift towards alternative fuels, with ammonia emerging as a promising candidate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recent collaborations and technological advancements underscore the industry's commitment to sustainable shipping practices.
CMB.TECH and MOL Collaborate on Ammonia-Powered Vessels
Belgium-based CMB.TECH has entered into a landmark agreement with Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and MOL Chemical Tankers (MOLCT) to develop nine ammonia-powered vessels. This initiative includes:
- Three Newcastlemax Bulk Carriers: These 210,000 deadweight ton (dwt) vessels are currently on order at Qingdao Beihai Shipyard. Jointly owned by CMB.TECH and MOL, they will be chartered to MOL for 12 years each, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
- Six Chemical Tankers: Ordered at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou), these comprise two ammonia-fitted and four ammonia-ready vessels. They will be chartered to MOLCT for periods ranging from 7 to 10 years, with deliveries expected between 2028 and 2029.
This collaboration aims to advance the decarbonization of maritime operations and aligns with the industry's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Advancements in Ammonia-Fueled Engine Technology
Engine manufacturers are making significant strides in developing ammonia-compatible propulsion systems:
- MAN Energy Solutions: The company has conducted trials using carbon-free ammonia as fuel with a two-stroke diesel engine and plans to provide ammonia propulsion for maritime operations by 2026.
- WinGD: Collaborating with Alfa Laval, WinGD has developed test systems for ammonia-fueled engines, including fuel valve trains and vent treatment systems. The Alfa Laval FCM Ammonia fuel supply system is expected to be validated by the end of 2024, with the first marine deliveries anticipated by the end of 2025.
These developments are crucial for the integration of ammonia as a viable marine fuel.
Construction of Ammonia-Powered Vessels Underway
Shipbuilders are commencing construction on vessels designed to operate on ammonia:
- HD Hyundai Mipo: In December 2024, the company began steel cutting for a 46,000 cubic meter liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier equipped with an ammonia dual-fuel engine. This vessel is slated for delivery in 2026.
- EXMAR: The construction of EXMAR's first 46,000 m³ midsized gas carrier vessel began in December 2024. The vessel, capable of carrying LPG and ammonia, is on track for delivery in 2026 and will be powered by dual-fuel WinGD engines.
These projects represent tangible steps towards the deployment of ammonia-powered ships.
Industry-Wide Initiatives and Investments
Other maritime companies are also investing in ammonia-fueled vessels:
- Hapag-Lloyd: The German shipping company has ordered 24 new container ships, including 12 ammonia-ready newbuilds with a capacity of 16,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) each. These vessels are being constructed by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group and are expected to replace older units by 2030.
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL): Beyond the collaboration with CMB.TECH, MOL has conducted the first ammonia ship-to-ship transfer and is designing an ammonia-powered bulk carrier, demonstrating its commitment to alternative fuels.
These initiatives reflect a broader industry trend towards adopting ammonia as a cleaner fuel alternative.
Challenges and Considerations
While ammonia offers a carbon-free combustion process, several challenges must be addressed:
- Safety Concerns: Ammonia is toxic and requires stringent handling protocols to ensure the safety of crew and port personnel. Effective regulations are under development, and interim guidelines have been adopted to mitigate risks.
- Infrastructure Development: Establishing ammonia bunkering facilities at major ports is essential to support the widespread adoption of ammonia-fueled vessels. Several ports are preparing for ammonia fueling to ensure reliable refueling options.
- Economic Factors: The cost of producing green ammonia and retrofitting existing vessels or building new ones to accommodate ammonia propulsion systems are significant considerations for shipowners.
Addressing these challenges is critical for the successful integration of ammonia as a marine fuel.
The maritime industry's exploration of ammonia as an alternative fuel is gaining momentum, driven by strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and proactive investments. While challenges remain, the collective efforts of shipowners, engine manufacturers, and shipbuilders signal a promising trajectory toward achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping industry.
Compared to other next-generation fuels like methanol, LNG, and hydrogen, ammonia stands out for its zero-carbon combustion and existing production infrastructure. Unlike LNG, which still emits carbon dioxide, and methanol, which requires a green source to be truly sustainable, ammonia offers a pathway to meet future decarbonization targets—especially when produced from renewable energy sources. Hydrogen, while clean, poses storage and handling difficulties for long voyages due to its low energy density. Ammonia, by contrast, is easier to store in liquid form and is already traded globally as a commodity.
That said, ammonia’s toxicity, its energy conversion efficiency, and the need for new safety protocols mean its widespread use will require careful implementation. Still, among the fuel options being explored today, ammonia is emerging as a serious contender for deep-sea shipping, where battery-electric solutions are impractical and long-term fuel flexibility is critical. As technology matures and port infrastructure adapts, ammonia could become a pillar in the global effort to decarbonize maritime transport.