A cargo ship named Mineral Europa set sail on its maiden voyage to Australia. At 210,000 deadweight tons, it looks like a traditional bulk carrier from the outside. However, inside, it runs on ammonia rather than traditional fuel.

This innovative fuel source makes it the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel. Engineers believe this could be monumental for an industry trying to go green.

For the first time in over 200 years, large ocean ships can travel without producing carbon dioxide emissions.

Expanding the Sustainable Fleet

The ammonia-powered bulk carrier; Photo: CMB.TECH

The developers, CMB.TECH, plans to bring 21 ammonia-powered ships into service by 2029. That total includes 18 dry bulk vessels, one container ship, and two chemical tankers. Most of these ships will arrive within the next nine months.

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“Today marks a defining moment for CMB.TECH and for the shipping industry. After almost a decade of hard work, we are proving that decarbonizing shipping is no longer a distant ambition. It is happening today,” Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, explained. “Mineral Europa is the first of its kind, but many more will follow in the months and years ahead.”

Saverys added, “The need to decarbonize shipping and strengthen energy independence has never been greater. Our technology and our ships are game changers for the industry. We are CMB.TECH. We decarbonize today to navigate tomorrow.”

How Green Ammonia Works

The green ammonia that powers the vessel is made by combining renewable energy, water, and air into a fuel that can be produced anywhere. When burned in an engine, it releases no carbon dioxide.

According to engineers, green ammonia can quickly become cheaper than regular diesel. It is scalable and helps boost energy independence.

To make all of this work, CMB.TECH is creating a new fuel ecosystem. It is investing in ammonia storage setups and bunker barges so ocean-going ships can get fuel safely and efficiently.