The “Mineral Europa”, owned by the Belgian shipping company CMB.Tech, has set sail on its maiden voyage to Australia. According to the shipping group, the new 210,000 dwt vessel is the world’s first ammonia-powered bulk carrier.
The “Mineral Europa” marks the start of an extensive fleet programme: by 2029, a total of 21 ammonia-powered vessels are set to join the CMB.Tech fleet. The plans include 18 bulk carriers, one container ship and two chemical tankers. The majority are due to be delivered within the next nine months.
“Today marks a milestone for CMB.Tech and for the shipping industry. After almost ten years of hard work, we are demonstrating that more climate-friendly shipping is no longer a distant ambition, but is becoming a reality today,” says CEO Alexander Saverys. The “Mineral Europa” will be followed by numerous other vessels in the coming months and years.
In parallel with the expansion of its fleet, CMB.Tech is investing in the supply of alternative fuels. This includes ammonia storage solutions and bunker vessels designed to enable the safe and efficient supply of seagoing vessels. The group supplies hydrogen and ammonia both from its own production and via third-party suppliers.
As a fuel, the company is banking on the potential of green ammonia, which is produced from water and air using renewable energy. CMB.Tech sees this as a means not only of decarbonisation but also of achieving greater independence from fossil fuels. According to the company’s assessment, technological advances could make green ammonia cheaper than diesel in the future. The press release does not contain any specific details regarding the fuel used on the maiden voyage or the emissions profile of the ‘Mineral Europa’.
Antwerp-based CMB.Tech states that it has a fleet of around 235 vessels. These include bulk carriers, crude oil and chemical tankers, container ships and vessels for the offshore energy sector.
