In China, Korea Maritime News reports the world’s first ocean-going ammonia-fueled bulk carriers have been launched at China’s Beihai Shipyard, part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. Ordered by Belgian shipowner CMB.TECH for its subsidiary Bocimar, the 210,000-DWT Newcastlemax vessels mark a key milestone in the race to decarbonize long-haul shipping.
The ships measure 300 meters in length and will be the first ammonia-powered bulk carriers capable of deep-sea operation once completed. CMB.TECH has ordered ten ammonia-fueled Newcastlemaxes and eight more ammonia-ready vessels.
The project is central to CMB.TECH’s 2023 decarbonization strategy and features ammonia dual-fuel engines co-developed with Swiss manufacturer WinGD. The engine series, the X72DF-A, enters its first real-world trials through this build, following WinGD’s earlier success with smaller ammonia engines on gas carriers under construction in South Korea.
Beihai is aiming to shorten the construction timeline by installing all four main engines and the boiler ahead of sea trials.
The first two ships are part of a broader push: CMB.TECH has also partnered with MOL and Fortescue for ammonia-fueled bulkers, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2027. Just three ammonia-powered ships are currently in service worldwide, but DNV forecasts a steep rise to 39 by 2029.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
