Antwerpen and Arlon : world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel vessels named in South-Korea ( Exmar)

The Belgian shipowner Exmar named world's first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel vessels on their construction yard, belonging to partner HD Hyundai, in South Korea on 09/04/2026. Named after two Belgian cities, the two 46.000 m3 mid-size gas carriers have been purpose-built in close cooperation with the yard. The christening of the two ships marks the culmination of a joint development program initiated more than three and a half years ago with HD Hyundai.

Building on Exmar's 40 years of LPG and ammonia transportation expertise, the two vessels are the product of a multi-partner development program involving HD Hyundai, HHI-EMD, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, WinGD and Lloyd’s Register. Propulsion systems have undergone extensive testing at HD Hyundai’s facilities over a significant number of operating hours.

Working closely with Lloyd’s Register and the Administration, EXMAR actively contributed to advancing the IMO regulatory framework, enabling guidelines for the use of ammonia as fuel on gas carriers, which represents a critical first step for the entire industry on its way to decarbonisation. Indeed, the ammonia dual fuel technology enables CO₂ emission reductions of up to 90% during navigation, according to Exmar. Besides, the ability to use cargo as fuel represents significant operational flexibility and environmental advantage.