Exmar Takes Delivery of First Ammonia Dual-Fuel Gas Carrier in Historic Fleet Milestone

## Exmar Marks Green Shipping Breakthrough with First Ammonia Dual-Fuel MGC Delivery Belgian shipping company Exmar has celebrated a landmark moment in its decarbonisation strategy with the delivery of the first vessel in a series of four newbuild dual-fuel ammonia midsize gas carriers (MGCs), according to Offshore Energy. The delivery represents what the company describes as a 'historic game-changer' in the pursuit of greener shipping, and signals a concrete step toward future-proofing Exmar's fleet against tightening environmental regulations and evolving fuel standards. ### A Milestone for Alternative Fuel Propulsion Ammonia is widely regarded as one of the most promising zero-carbon fuels for deep-sea shipping, given its high energy density and the absence of carbon in its molecular structure. However, its adoption has been hampered by technical challenges related to toxicity, combustion stability, and the need for purpose-built engine and fuel handling systems. The delivery of Exmar's first ammonia dual-fuel MGC demonstrates that these engineering hurdles are increasingly being overcome at a commercial scale. As a gas carrier operator, Exmar is well-positioned to leverage its existing expertise in handling liquefied gases — including LPG and ammonia as cargo — and apply that knowledge to ammonia as a marine fuel. ### Fleet Renewal with Decarbonisation at the Core With three further vessels in the series still to be delivered, Exmar's newbuilding programme represents a substantial commitment to alternative fuel technology. The MGC segment — typically vessels with a capacity of between 15,000 and 40,000 cubic metres — plays a critical role in regional and intercontinental gas distribution, making the integration of ammonia dual-fuel capability particularly significant for supply chain sustainability. The move aligns with broader industry trends, as shipowners face mounting pressure from the International Maritime Organization's revised greenhouse gas strategy, which targets net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050, with interim reduction milestones in 2030 and 2040. ### Industry Significance Exmar's delivery is among the first commercial-scale deployments of ammonia dual-fuel propulsion in the gas carrier sector, and is likely to be closely watched by peers, charterers, and fuel suppliers alike. Successful operation of these vessels could accelerate confidence in ammonia as a viable marine fuel and encourage further orderbook activity across the broader shipping industry. The company has not yet disclosed the shipyard responsible for the construction or the full delivery timeline for the remaining three vessels in the series.