South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has marked a significant milestone in sustainable maritime transport with the completion of the world’s first ammonia-powered vessels. Named the Antwerpen and Arlon, these 190-meter-long gas carriers were commissioned by the Belgian firm Exmar. By utilizing ammonia—a carbon-free fuel that is easier to store than hydrogen—these ships represent a major step toward decarbonizing the shipping industry. As ammonia is projected to account for nearly half of global marine fuel by 2050, this development positions the shipbuilder as a leader in the transition to eco-friendly maritime technology.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) recently hosted a naming ceremony at its Ulsan shipyard to celebrate the completion of the Antwerpen and the Arlon. These mid-sized gas carriers are specifically engineered to transport liquefied cargoes such as ammonia and LPG while utilizing ammonia as their primary fuel source. Measuring 190 meters in length, the vessels are scheduled for delivery to the Belgian company Exmar between May and July of this year.
Ammonia is increasingly viewed as a superior alternative to traditional fossil fuels and hydrogen because it contains no carbon and remains stable in liquid form at -33°C. Unlike hydrogen, which requires extreme cryogenic cooling, ammonia can be stored under moderate pressure, making it a more cost-effective and practical solution for long-haul maritime routes. This stability allows for easier integration into existing shipping infrastructure while significantly reducing CO2 emission levels across the global supply chain.
To address the safety challenges associated with ammonia, HHI has integrated advanced protective systems into the ship designs. These include real-time gas sensors to detect potential leaks and a dedicated recovery unit designed to capture and manage ammonia vapors. Furthermore, the ships feature a shaft generator, a technology that produces electricity through the rotation of the propeller shaft while the vessel is in motion, further enhancing overall energy efficiency.
The completion of these vessels aligns with forecasts from the International Energy Agency, which predicts that ammonia will constitute 46% of the world’s marine fuel by 2050. Following the successful launch of these first two ships, HHI is currently working on six additional ammonia-powered vessels. This initiative follows the company’s previous success with methanol-fueled ships, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering sustainable maritime innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the global green shipping market.