Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), a global leader in shipping industry, has announced a groundbreaking move in maritime decarbonization with the deployment of the world’s first ammonia-fueled Capesize bulkers and chemical tankers. In collaboration with Belgium-based CMB.TECH NV, MOL and its wholly owned subsidiary, MOL Chemical Tankers Pte. Ltd. (MOLCT), will jointly own and charter a total of nine ammonia-capable vessels, marking a significant milestone in the global shipping industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.
Strategic Collaboration for a Decarbonized Future
The agreement includes three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers and two ammonia dual-fuel chemical tankers, alongside four ammonia-ready chemical tankers that can be converted in the future. The vessels will be built at leading Chinese shipyards and are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2029. The breakdown of vessel types, ownership, and shipyards is as follows:
- Ammonia Dual-Fuel Capesize Bulker
- Number of Vessels: 3
- Contracts with CMB.TECH: Joint ownership / time charter
- Contracted Company: MOL
- Scheduled Delivery Year: 2026-27
- Shipyard: CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
- Ammonia Dual-Fuel Chemical Tanker
- Number of Vessels: 2
- Contracts with CMB.TECH: Time charter
- Contracted Company: MOLCT
- Scheduled Delivery Year: 2028-29
- Shipyard: China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng Co., Ltd.
- Ammonia-Ready Chemical Tanker
- Number of Vessels: 4
- Contracts with CMB.TECH: Time charter
- Contracted Company: MOLCT
- Scheduled Delivery Year: 2028-29
- Shipyard: China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng Co., Ltd.
This initiative aligns with MOL’s Environmental Vision 2.2, which targets net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Ammonia, recognized as a next-generation clean energy source, has gained momentum in the maritime sector due to its zero-carbon potential when used as fuel. The MOL Group is leveraging this fuel as part of its broader decarbonization strategy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
MOL Chemical Tankers: A Global Leader in Chemical Transport
MOL Chemical Tankers (MOLCT), along with its wholly owned subsidiary Fairfield Chemical Carriers, operates one of the world’s largest stainless-steel chemical tanker fleets. With over 110 vessels in service, MOLCT transports a diverse range of liquid chemicals, vegetable oils, animal fats, and lubricants. Headquartered in Singapore, the company employs approximately 410 staff across 12 international offices, including locations in Tokyo, Copenhagen, London, Rotterdam, Houston, Stamford, Bogota, Dubai, Durban, Busan, and Shanghai.
CMB.TECH: Advancing Hydrogen and Ammonia Fuel Solutions
CMB.TECH is a diversified maritime group that operates over 150 vessels, including crude oil tankers, dry bulk carriers, container ships, chemical tankers, and offshore wind vessels. The company is at the forefront of hydrogen and ammonia fuel adoption, offering production and supply solutions to various industries. Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, CMB.TECH has offices across Europe, Asia, the United States, and Africa and is publicly traded on Euronext Brussels and the NYSE under the ticker symbol CMB.T.
Commitment to Sustainability and Marine Innovation
The MOL Group has identified five core sustainability issues, emphasizing its commitment to environmental conservation and technological innovation. The deployment of ammonia-fueled vessels is expected to significantly contribute to two key priorities:
- Environmental Conservation – Reducing GHG emissions and protecting the marine ecosystem.
- Innovation in Marine Technology – Pioneering new energy solutions for the shipping industry.
As the global shipping industry accelerates its decarbonization efforts, MOL’s strategic partnership with CMB.TECH positions both companies at the forefront of the green energy transition. By investing in ammonia-fueled and ammonia-ready vessels, MOL is taking a decisive step toward a more sustainable and carbon-free future for maritime transportation.
About Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)
MOL is a global leader in shipping, operating over 800 ships worldwide. Its diverse fleet includes bulk carriers, liquefied natural gas carriers, Ro-Ro car carrier ships, and oil tankers, among others. Beyond traditional shipping, MOL also engages in social infrastructure businesses, including real estate, terminal and logistics, and offshore wind power. With one of the largest merchant fleets and 140 years of history, MOL aims to be a resilient corporate group that provides new value to all stakeholders.
Source Mitsui O.S.K. Lines