CMB.TECH Puts World’s First Ammonia-Powered Bulk Carrier, Mineral Europa, into Service

Summary

Belgian shipowner CMB.TECH has put Mineral Europa, billed as the world’s first ammonia-powered bulk carrier, into service on its maiden voyage to Australia. The 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax will carry iron ore for Fortescue and is the first of 21 ammonia-powered ships CMB.TECH plans to have in its fleet by 2029.

Article

Antwerp: CMB.TECH has launched commercial operations of what it describes as the world’s first ammonia-powered bulk carrier, Mineral Europa, marking a major step in the shipping industry’s efforts to decarbonise deep-sea trades.

The 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax has set sail on its maiden voyage to Australia. “Today marks a defining moment for CMB.Tech and for the shipping industry,” Chief Executive Alexander Saverys said, as reported by TradeWinds.

What are the vessel’s key features?

Mineral Europa was built by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in China and is fitted with a dual-fuel engine that can run on ammonia or conventional marine fuel, developed in partnership with Swiss engine designer WinGD. The ship is 300 metres long with a reported speed of 14 knots.

The engine belongs to WinGD’s X72DF-A series. Its first unit for the CMB.TECH programme completed factory acceptance testing earlier this year, using high-pressure ammonia injection with a pilot fuel dose of around 5% at full load. Engine builder CSE has said it will be the first Chinese manufacturer to supply ammonia-fuelled engines to commercial shipping.

Ammonia is stored in liquid form in independent tanks on deck, positioned at a safe distance from the ship’s sides. CMB.TECH has set safety protocols and requires all crew to complete training before boarding. VesselsValue has valued the ship at $112 million.

Who will operate the ship?

Mineral Europa is owned by Bocimar, CMB.TECH’s dry bulk arm, and managed by Anglo-Eastern. It will operate under charter to Australian miner Fortescue, carrying iron ore from Western Australia’s Pilbara region to China and other markets. The Belgian-flagged ship joins its sister vessel Mineral Latvia.

In June 2026, CMB.TECH and Fortescue signed a charter for up to 12 Newcastlemaxes. Up to three are being delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are due to enter service by the end of 2026, while the remaining nine are being built ammonia-ready for future conversion.

How large is CMB.TECH’s ammonia fleet?

CMB.TECH expects to take delivery of most of its ammonia-powered vessels over the next nine months. By the end of 2029, it plans to operate 21 ammonia-powered ships: 18 dry bulk carriers, one container ship and two chemical tankers.

The pipeline includes three ammonia-fitted Newcastlemaxes being jointly owned with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines under 12-year charters, due for delivery in 2026 and 2027. CMB.TECH is also building two ammonia-fitted and four ammonia-ready chemical tankers at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) for charter to MOL Chemical Tankers, with deliveries in 2028 and 2029.

Where will the ammonia come from?

CMB.TECH says the vessel will run on green ammonia, produced from renewable power, water and air, but has not detailed current fuel availability. Earlier, the company agreed to buy green ammonia from the CEEC Songyuan project in Jilin Province, China, and to take a minority stake in Andefu, a Chinese ammonia supply chain company developing ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering. CMB.TECH has also invested in ammonia storage and bunker barges.

How does this fit the wider market?

Ammonia-fuelled shipping remains at an early stage. According to DNV data, only five ammonia-fuelled vessels are in service: two gas carriers delivered to Exmar in June, two tugs and a Fortescue demonstration offshore vessel. Four dry bulk carriers, including CMB.TECH’s, were listed as in testing, with 41 ammonia-fuelled vessels on order for delivery by 2030.

Why does it matter?

Ammonia produces no carbon dioxide when burned, making it a leading candidate fuel for decarbonising long-haul shipping. Mineral Europa’s entry into service tests whether large ammonia-fuelled ships can operate safely and reliably on a major bulk trade. Its success, along with the availability and cost of green ammonia, will shape investment decisions by shipowners and charterers as the IMO prepares to vote on its Net-Zero Framework in December.

FAQs

What is Mineral Europa?

Mineral Europa is a 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax bulk carrier owned by CMB.TECH’s Bocimar, billed as the world’s first ammonia-powered bulk carrier.

Who built the ship and its engine?

CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding built the vessel, which uses a WinGD X72DF-A dual-fuel ammonia engine manufactured by CSE.

Who has chartered the vessel?

Fortescue has chartered it to carry iron ore from Western Australia’s Pilbara region to China and other markets.

How many ammonia-powered ships will CMB.TECH operate?

CMB.TECH plans a fleet of 21 ammonia-powered vessels by 2029: 18 bulk carriers, one container ship and two chemical tankers.

How many ammonia-fuelled ships are in service worldwide?

DNV data shows only five ammonia-fuelled vessels in service, with 41 on order for delivery by 2030.