en.Wedoany.com Reported - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Belgian shipowner EXMAR held a naming ceremony in South Korea for two of the world's first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel Medium Gas Carriers (MGC). Named Antwerpen and Arlon, these vessels mark a new stage in the joint development project spanning over three and a half years. They will now undergo final outfitting before delivery to the owner.
Both vessels have a cargo capacity of 46,000 cubic meters. Each is equipped with a 45,000 cubic meter cargo tank and two 500 cubic meter deck tanks, built to a bespoke design. Compared to standard designs, the ship's length has been increased by 10 meters and the beam slightly widened to enhance cargo capacity. EXMAR stated that crew safety is the top priority. The vessel design incorporates workshops, risk assessments, technical reviews, and incorporates feedback from its experienced crew.
The project has also progressed in parallel with work involving Lloyd's Register, flag state administrations, and the IMO regulatory framework, aiming to develop guidelines for using ammonia as fuel on gas carriers. Ammonia dual-fuel technology can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% during voyages and provides greater fuel flexibility for vessel operations.
These ammonia dual-fuel vessels were jointly developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HHI-EMD, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, WinGD, Lloyd's Register, and EXMAR. The propulsion system has undergone extensive testing at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' facilities. Approximately 70 officials and employees attended the naming event, including Joo Won-ho, President and Head of HHI's Naval & Special Ship Business Unit; Nicolas Saverys, Chairman of Exmar; and Bruno Jans, the Belgian Ambassador to South Korea.
The two vessels will be delivered in May and late July respectively, following final outfitting. They are also equipped with shaft generators, which generate electricity using the rotation of the propulsion main engine's shaft, and are fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx emissions.
Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, stated that building ammonia-powered vessels placed significant demands on the company's technological capabilities. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries noted that it has received orders for a total of 8 ammonia-powered vessels from companies including EXMAR and Trafigura. The company previously delivered the world's first methanol-powered chemical tanker in 2016 and the world's first methanol-powered container ship in 2023.
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