Delivery of Antwerpen, recently christened along with sister vessel vessel Arlon, is being hailed by EXMAR as a milestone that marks a decisive step forward in the decarbonization of shipping, positioning EXMAR and its partners at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation.
Developed in close collaboration with HD Hyundai, WinGD,
Nord Gas Solutions (formerly Wärtsilä
Gas Solutions), and Lloyd’s Register, Antwerpen
is capable of carrying up to 46,000 cubic meters of ammonia or LPG
and trading with close to zero emissions when using low-carbon ammonia fuel.
The vessel meets and exceeds current IMO emissions reduction targets, reducing
greenhouse gases by up to 90% compared to conventional ships. Operational
safety has been a key focus throughout development, drawing on EXMAR’s four
decades of experience transporting ammonia and other liquefied gases. With
comprehensive crew training, robust risk assessments, and input from leading
partners and the Belgian administration, ammonia propulsion has now become an
on-water reality and regulatory frameworks for safe operations are now in
place.
“Ammonia propulsion
is no longer theoretical—we are deploying it. Change comes through execution,
not debate. This achievement reflects collective expertise and our commitment
to drive sustainable shipping forward,” said EXMAR Group CEO Carl-Antoine Saverys.
The newbuild is the
first in a series of four ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, each named
after a Belgian city.