CMB.TECH, a Belgian shipping company, has sent the 210,000 deadweight ton cargo tanker Mineral Europa on its maiden voyage to Australia. This tanker is recognized as the first ammonia-fueled cargo ship and represents significant steps in global efforts to reduce carbon in the maritime transport industry.
Development of a New Ammonia-Fueled Fleet
Mineral Europa is part of a larger fleet of ammonia-fueled cargo ships being developed under the leadership of Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH. The company has announced that it will add 21 ammonia-fueled ships to its fleet by 2029, including 18 cargo ships, one container ship, and two chemical tankers. Most of these vessels are expected to join the fleet in the next nine months.
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Ammonia Fuel Production and Infrastructure
Mineral Europa was built at CSSC’s Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding facility in China and is part of a series of 210,000 deadweight ton vessels ordered by CMB.TECH's cargo division, Bokimor. Company documents indicate that 10 more ammonia-fueled cargo ships are under construction, set to be added to the fleet in 2026 and 2027.
Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, stated: "After nearly a decade of effort, we are proving that carbon reduction in maritime transport is no longer a distant wish. It is happening today." He also added: "Mineral Europa is the first ship of its kind, but more vessels will be on the way in the coming months and years."
CMB.TECH is working on building infrastructure and supply networks to support its new fleet. In June, Australian mining giant Fortescue signed an agreement with CMB.TECH to lease up to 12 210,000 deadweight ton tankers. Three ships from this fleet will enter service by the end of this year with dual ammonia engines.
Given the challenges related to fuel supply, CMB.TECH is investing in ammonia fuel storage facilities and barges to establish the necessary supply chain to support its fleet. The group is also collaborating with producers and suppliers in several regions to secure green ammonia.
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