World's First Ammonia-Fueled Ocean-Going Vessel Completes First Commercial Voyage In China

The world's first ammonia-fueled ocean-going vessel, MV Antwerp, has completed its first commercial voyage and inaugural cargo-loading operation after entering service, departing from Qingjiang Terminal in Nanjing on June 27.

The vessel transported 30,214 tonnes of liquid ammonia on a direct export voyage to India. Because the cargo can also be used as marine fuel, the voyage demonstrated a "cargo-as-fuel" operating model designed to reduce carbon emissions across the shipping value chain.

The medium-sized gas carrier was jointly developed by Exmar, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, WinGD, Nord Fuel Solutions, and Lloyd's Register. With a cargo capacity of 46,000 cubic metres, the vessel is capable of transporting both liquefied ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Powered by an ammonia dual-fuel propulsion system, the ship uses liquid ammonia as its primary marine fuel and is designed to achieve near-zero carbon emissions during operation. According to project information, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by as much as 90% compared with conventional vessels, exceeding the International Maritime Organization's current decarbonization targets.

Project developers said comprehensive risk assessments, crew training programmes and operational support systems were established during the vessel's design and construction to ensure the safe commercial deployment of ammonia-fueled shipping.

The vessel marks another milestone in the commercialization of ammonia-powered marine technology, an area that has gained increasing momentum in China over the past two years.

In December 2024, China's first ammonia dual-fuel tugboat, Yuantuo No.1, completed sea trials before delivery. In June 2025, Ammonia Radiance became the world's first demonstration vessel powered entirely by a pure-ammonia internal combustion engine. Earlier this year, CSSC Marine Power completed acceptance testing of China's first WinGD 6X72DF-A-1.0 low-speed ammonia-fueled marine engine, which is scheduled for installation on a 210,000-deadweight-ton bulk carrier being built for Belgian shipping company CMB.