Belgian gas shipping pioneer EXMAR has marked a historic milestone after its newly delivered 46,000 m³ midsize carrier, MGC ANTWERPEN, successfully completed its maiden commercial voyage from China to India powered by dual-fuel ammonia propulsion. Equipped with a Hyundai-WinGD engine and backed by specialized safety training, the vessel proved the commercial viability of zero-carbon ammonia fuel in ocean-going service, delivering up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Antwerp | July 20, 2026 – Belgian gas shipping pioneer EXMAR Group has officially crossed the threshold from decarbonization theory to commercial reality. The company announced that its newly delivered Midsize Gas Carrier (MGC), ANTWERPEN, has successfully completed its maiden commercial voyage from China to India operating on zero-carbon ammonia dual-fuel propulsion.
The successful transit marks a watershed moment for alternative marine fuels, proving that zero-carbon ammonia combustion is commercially viable, safe, and operational in ocean-going service.
Key Operational & Technical Highlights
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
| Vessel Name | MGC ANTWERPEN |
| Voyage Route | China to India (Maiden Commercial Voyage) |
| Cargo / Fuel Capacity | 46,000 m³ (Ammonia / LPG) |
| Length Overall (LOA) | >190 meters |
| Main Engine | WinGD X52DF-A Ammonia Dual-Fuel (built by HD Hyundai EMD) |
| Gas Handling System | Nord Gas Solutions (formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions) |
| Fuel Setup | Dedicated deck bunkering tanks (500 m3) |
| Emissions Reduction | Up to 90% GHG reduction vs. conventional marine diesel |
| Classification & Flag | Lloyd’s Register (LR) / Belgian Flag |
Commercial Validation: From Concept to Execution
During the long-haul transit across Asian trade lanes, the ANTWERPEN operated its main engine in ammonia dual-fuel mode in full alignment with design parameters and operational expectations.
According to EXMAR, the voyage demonstrated that ammonia fuel handling, injection, and combustion systems can deliver reliable power under real-world maritime operating conditions. Engineers onboard and onshore partners continue to fine-tune system settings as operational data from the inaugural voyage is analyzed.
“Ammonia propulsion is no longer theoretical, we are deploying it,” EXMAR Group stated. “Change comes through execution, not debate. This achievement reflects collective expertise and our commitment to drive sustainable shipping forward.”
Technical & Safety Breakthroughs
Handling ammonia (NH3) as a propulsion fuel presents unique technical requirements, most notably regarding toxicity, corrosion, and safety protocols. EXMAR leveraged four decades of experience as a liquefied gas carrier operator to establish rigorous safety and training standards prior to the vessel entering service.
Engine & Fuel Handling
The vessel’s core propulsion is built around WinGD’s X52DF-A two-stroke dual-fuel engine, developed in close partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Nord Gas Solutions. By utilizing low-carbon or green ammonia, the propulsion system cuts vessel greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, yielding exhaust consisting primarily of harmless water vapor and nitrogen gas.
Specialized Crew Training & Safety Standards
Safety protocols were integrated from the vessel’s design stage. Onboard crew members underwent immersive, practical training specifically focused on ammonia fuel transfer, emergency isolation, toxic gas detection, and the deployment of specialized personal protective equipment (PPE).
Pioneering Regulatory Frameworks
Developed in partnership with Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the Belgian Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport, the vessel’s operational safety concept helped establish baseline regulatory guidelines for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding the use of ammonia cargo as a marine fuel.
What’s Next: Scaling the Fleet
The delivery and commercial activation of Antwerpen is only the first step in EXMAR’s broader fleet transformation.
- Fleet Expansion: ANTWERPEN is the lead ship in a four-vessel series of ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers ordered by EXMAR.
- Sister Ships: The second vessel in the series, ARLON, has already been named, with two remaining newbuilds scheduled for delivery in the coming months. All vessels in the series follow EXMAR’s tradition of being named after Belgian cities.
As bunkering infrastructure for green and low-carbon ammonia scales globally across key hubs in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, EXMAR’s successful maiden voyage sets a clear benchmark for the global shipping industry’s transition to zero-carbon marine fuels.
About EXMAR: Pioneers Since 1829
With roots tracing back to a small shipyard on the river Scheldt nearly two centuries ago, EXMAR has evolved into a fully integrated maritime innovator. Today, the Group operates across three critical pillars:
- Shipping: Market leaders in mid-size LPG and ammonia transportation.
- Infrastructure: Ownership and operation of floating LNG (FLNG), storage (FSRU), and offshore production assets.
- Support Services: Expert engineering via EXMAR Offshore and technical management for over 35 specialized vessels.
As a company that “values your energy,” EXMAR has transitioned from a traditional shipowner to a key provider of floating infrastructure solutions for the global energy value chain.
Source: EXMAR