EXMAR and HD Hyundai have reached a maritime milestone with the naming of the Antwerpen and Arlon, the world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel gas carriers. Launched in South Korea, these 46,000 m³ vessels reduce CO2 emissions by 90% and set a new IMO-aligned safety standard for ammonia bunkering and transportation. This development marks a critical shift toward zero-carbon fuel adoption in the global shipping and energy sectors.
Belgium | April 9, 2026 – In a historic leap for maritime decarbonization, EXMAR has officially named the world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel mid-size gas carriers (MGC), the Antwerpen and the Arlon. The naming ceremony, held on April 9, 2026, at the HD Hyundai shipyard, marks the successful culmination of a pioneering three-and-a-half-year joint development program.
These vessels represent the “Holy Grail” of sustainable shipping: the ability to transport ammonia as cargo while simultaneously utilizing it as a zero-carbon fuel source, effectively slashing operational CO2 emissions by up to 90% during navigation.
Engineering Innovation: Maximizing Intake and Efficiency
The Antwerpen and Arlon are not merely standard vessels with modified engines; they are purpose-built marvels of naval architecture. Through a strategic design evolution in partnership with HD Hyundai, EXMAR extended the standard vessel length by 10 meters and slightly increased the beam.
| Specification | Detail |
| Total Capacity | 46,000 m³ |
| Main Cargo Tanks | 45,000 m³ |
| Deck Tanks | 2 x 500 m³ |
| Technology | Ammonia Dual-Fuel Propulsion |
| Emission Reduction | Up to 90% CO2 during transit |
This deliberate redesign achieved a significantly higher cargo intake compared to conventional mid-size gas carriers, providing EXMAR with a competitive edge in the burgeoning global ammonia trade.
Safety First: Setting the Regulatory Standard
Recognizing that ammonia presents unique handling challenges compared to traditional LNG or LPG, EXMAR placed safety at the absolute core of the development process. The project integrated decades of ammonia expertise from EXMAR’s senior seafarers through rigorous technical reviews and risk-assessment workshops.
Furthermore, EXMAR’s collaboration with Lloyd’s Register and maritime administrations has directly influenced the International Maritime Organization (IMO). By helping to draft the guidelines for ammonia as a marine fuel, EXMAR has provided the regulatory “blueprint” for the entire shipping industry to follow.
A Multi-Partner Technical Triumph
The successful delivery of the Antwerpen and Arlon was made possible through a high-level consortium of industry leaders:
- Shipbuilding: HD Hyundai
- Engine & Propulsion: HHI-EMD, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, and WinGD
- Classification: Lloyd’s Register
- Operational Management: EXMAR
The propulsion systems underwent thousands of hours of rigorous testing at HD Hyundai’s specialized facilities to ensure the stability and reliability of ammonia combustion before the vessels were cleared for ocean-going service.
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