EXMAR: preparing to sail using ammonia as a marine fuel

Click to register for our webinar with EXMAR and Lloyd’s Register on Wed 15 April.

EXMAR is the largest independent shipowner in the Midsize Gas Carrier (MGC) segment for LPG and ammonia transport. Since receiving its first ammonia carrier in 1983, EXMAR has transported a cumulative total of 100 million tons of ammonia as of 2023. In 2021, the world-first LPG-fueled Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) for LPG transport were delivered to EXMAR.

EXMAR has ordered four 46,000 cbm capacity MGCs with WinGD dual-fuel ammonia engines at HD Hyundai Mipo in South Korea. The vessels are set for delivery in 2026. By using clean ammonia as fuel, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced by around 90%, compared to diesel.

Ammonia’s toxicity requires rigorous safety measures, including double-walled piping, gas detection systems, safety studies (HAZID & HAZOP), and operator training. In this context, EXMAR has collaborated with other organizations to develop rules and guidelines. In  partnership with UK-based classification society and ship design consultancy Lloyd’s Register and the Belgian Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport, EXMAR helped develop interim guidelines for the safe use of ammonia cargo as fuel on ammonia carriers. Lloyd’s Register also contributed to the recent AEA Whitepaper on Ammonia Gas Detection.

Kristof Coppé (Director Fleet Operations & Technical Business Development, EXMAR), and Peter Van de Graaf (Strategic Business Partner, Lloyd’s Register) will be joined in conversation by AEA Technology Manager Kevin Rouwenhorst to discuss EXMAR’s upcoming ammonia-fueled vessels and its partnerships to advance safe operations for these vessels. Join us on Wednesday 15 April @ 9AM EDT (3PM CEST) for a fascinating discussion, and be sure to submit your questions for the speakers when registering.