First Ammonia-Fuelled Bulker Bunkers Green Ammonia in China | Mariner News
CMB.TECH’s Mineral Europa, the world’s first ammonia-fuelled bulk carrier, has completed a landmark bunkering of 1,000 metric tons of green ammonia in Zhoushan, China. This ship-to-ship operation marks a critical step in scaling ammonia as a viable decarbonization pathway for the dry bulk segment and demonstrates advancing operational readiness for this alternative fuel.
The bunkering involved a dedicated liquid ammonia bunkering vessel supplying the Mineral Europa before it began its maiden voyage to Australia. This event not only signifies the first ammonia bunkering for an ammonia-powered bulker but also highlights the establishment of specialized infrastructure in a key maritime hub. The use of “green ammonia” specifically emphasizes a focus on the fuel’s lifecycle emissions, aligning with broader decarbonization objectives.
This successful operation underpins CMB.TECH’s substantial commitment to ammonia, with 21 ammonia-powered vessels expected to join its fleet by 2029. This ambitious expansion includes 18 dry bulk carriers, a container vessel, and two chemical tankers, with the majority slated for delivery within the next nine months. Such a large-scale fleet transition within a relatively short timeframe suggests a robust commercial strategy anticipating ammonia for future compliance and competitive advantage, potentially accelerating investment in global bunkering networks.
The development follows the earlier delivery of the world’s first ammonia-fuelled oceangoing gas carrier to Exmar, further illustrating the accelerating pace of ammonia adoption across various shipping segments. The Mineral Europa is now en route to Australia, demonstrating the operational reach of ammonia-powered vessels for long-haul voyages.
