Why is ammonia considered a game-changer for the shipping industry compared to LNG?

Unlike LNG, which still releases carbon dioxide when burned, ammonia (NH3) contains no carbon atoms and therefore emits zero carbon dioxide during combustion. This makes it a true zero-carbon fuel option that can help shipowners meet the IMO's strict net-zero emissions targets for 2050.

What are the main safety and technical challenges associated with using ammonia as a marine fuel?

Ammonia is highly toxic to humans and aquatic life, requiring stringent safety protocols, specialized double-walled piping, advanced ventilation systems, and robust leak detection technologies. Ship crews must also undergo specialized training to handle the fuel safely during bunkering and daily operations.

Will these new Exmar vessels run exclusively on green ammonia?

While the vessels are technically capable of burning ammonia, their dual-fuel engines allow them to run on conventional fuels or LPG if ammonia is unavailable. In the near term, they may burn conventional grey ammonia until green ammonia production scales up sufficiently to become economically viable.

Offshore Energy · June 10, 2026 (Jun 10) · 1 min read

Historic game-changer at sea: Exmar’s first of four ammonia dual-fuel vessels delivered

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

The delivery of Exmar's first ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carrier marks a critical operational milestone in the maritime industry's transition toward zero-carbon fuels. By successfully deploying a vessel capable of running on ammonia, Exmar is de-risking a highly anticipated but technically challenging alternative fuel pathway. This development signals to global energy markets and shipowners that ammonia-fueled propulsion is moving from theoretical design to commercial reality.

Key Facts

Belgian shipping company Exmar has officially taken delivery of the first of four ordered midsize gas carriers (MGCs) equipped with dual-fuel ammonia propulsion systems.
The newly delivered vessel is part of a strategic fleet renewal program aimed at future-proofing Exmar's gas transport capabilities against tightening international maritime emissions regulations.
These vessels are designed to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or ammonia while utilizing ammonia as their primary fuel source to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The delivery represents a collaborative effort involving major shipyards and classification societies to certify the safety and operational viability of ammonia fuel systems at sea.
Exmar's remaining three sister vessels in this dual-fuel series are scheduled for delivery in the coming quarters, completing this specific phase of the company's decarbonization strategy.

Background & Context

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. While liquefied natural gas (LNG) has served as a transitional fuel, the industry is actively searching for zero-carbon alternatives like green hydrogen and green ammonia. Ammonia is highly favored for deep-sea shipping due to its higher energy density compared to liquid hydrogen and its relatively easier storage requirements, though its toxicity presents significant handling and engineering challenges.

Market Impact

This delivery places Exmar at the forefront of the green shipping transition, giving them a first-mover advantage in operating ammonia-fueled tonnage. For the broader energy market, it stimulates the demand side for green ammonia, encouraging chemical producers to accelerate investment in zero-carbon ammonia production facilities. However, the widespread adoption of such vessels will remain constrained in the near term by the lack of global bunkering infrastructure and the current high cost premium of green ammonia compared to conventional fuel oil.

What to Watch

The industry will closely monitor the operational performance, safety record, and fuel efficiency of this first vessel during its initial commercial voyages. Key milestones to watch include the final delivery dates of the remaining three sister ships and the establishment of the first dedicated ammonia bunkering corridors. Furthermore, the success of this deployment is expected to trigger follow-on orders for ammonia-ready vessels from competing global shipping lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ammonia considered a game-changer for the shipping industry compared to LNG?: Unlike LNG, which still releases carbon dioxide when burned, ammonia (NH3) contains no carbon atoms and therefore emits zero carbon dioxide during combustion. This makes it a true zero-carbon fuel option that can help shipowners meet the IMO's strict net-zero emissions targets for 2050.
What are the main safety and technical challenges associated with using ammonia as a marine fuel?: Ammonia is highly toxic to humans and aquatic life, requiring stringent safety protocols, specialized double-walled piping, advanced ventilation systems, and robust leak detection technologies. Ship crews must also undergo specialized training to handle the fuel safely during bunkering and daily operations.
Will these new Exmar vessels run exclusively on green ammonia?: While the vessels are technically capable of burning ammonia, their dual-fuel engines allow them to run on conventional fuels or LPG if ammonia is unavailable. In the near term, they may burn conventional grey ammonia until green ammonia production scales up sufficiently to become economically viable.

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