Antwerpen, Belgium | January 05, 2026 – Belgian shipping giant EXMAR has successfully completed its largest ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia transfer to date, marking a significant milestone in the global maritime energy transition. The operation, conducted at the Port of Sohar, involved the Midsize Gas Carrier (MGC) KORTRIJK, which safely discharged its full cargo in collaboration with leading ammonia trader Trammo, Inc.
The vessel, which boasts a capacity of 38,500 cbm, executed the transfer under the highest safety and operational protocols. This achievement underscores EXMAR’s role as a first-mover in ammonia logistics, a commodity that is rapidly shifting from a fertilizer feedstock to a primary contender for zero-carbon marine propulsion.
Proving the Infrastructure for Ammonia Bunkering
Ship-to-ship transfers are widely considered the most viable “proxy” for future ammonia bunkering operations. By successfully managing a full-cargo discharge of this scale, EXMAR has demonstrated that the technical and safety barriers to large-scale ammonia handling are being systematically dismantled.
Currently, EXMAR is aggressively expanding its fleet with four 46,000 m³ MGCs. These newbuilds are equipped with ammonia dual-fuel engines, positioning the company at the vanguard of low-carbon shipping. By utilizing its 40-year legacy in gas handling, EXMAR is effectively building the bridge between today’s industrial ammonia transport and tomorrow’s green bunkering market.
About EXMAR Ship Management
EXMAR Ship Management is the specialized arm responsible for the technical and crew management of the fleet. With over 40 years of experience in handling anhydrous ammonia, the division is renowned for its rigorous training programs and adherence to safety standards. Their expertise is critical as the industry transitions toward toxic but carbon-free fuels like ammonia, where crew competency is the ultimate safety safeguard.
About EXMAR
Headquartered in Antwerp, EXMAR is a premier provider of floating solutions for the operation, transportation, and transformation of gas. With a fleet of 40 LPG and ammonia carriers, as well as innovative floating LNG and offshore infrastructure, EXMAR is a turn-key expert in the global energy value chain. The company’s infrastructure business is dedicated to developing and operating high-performance assets that facilitate the global transition to cleaner energy.
Source: EXMAR