The 210,000-deadweight-tonne Mineral Europa has begun its maiden voyage to Australia as the first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier. The voyage gives the shipping industry an early opportunity to assess ammonia propulsion on a large oceangoing vessel.
The ship launches CMB.TECH’s planned fleet of 21 ammonia-powered vessels due for delivery by 2029. The order covers 18 dry bulk carriers, one container ship and two chemical tankers, extending the programme across several cargo segments.
Ammonia generates no carbon dioxide during combustion, but its wider environmental performance depends on production, transport and onboard use. The fuel also requires dedicated storage, transfer and bunkering arrangements, alongside new safety procedures and crew training.
CMB.TECH, headquartered in Antwerp, is investing in ammonia storage and bunkering barges as part of the fleet expansion. That infrastructure will be important to commercial deployment: ships cannot operate reliably on ammonia if supplies are unavailable at key ports.
For freight forwarders, cargo owners and terminal operators, the project is a signal to monitor fuel availability and handling standards on major trade routes. Ammonia is now being evaluated alongside methanol, biofuels, batteries and other options for reducing maritime emissions.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.