World’s First Ammonia-Powered Ship Undergoes Construction At HD Hyundai Facility

South Korean shipbuilder, HD Hyundai Mipo, has begun constructing the world’s first ammonia-powered ship, ordered by EXMAR, a Belgian shipping company.

The ship will have an ammonia dual-fuel engine, allowing the ship to operate both on traditional fuel and ammonia.

The company has ordered 6 dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carriers, the first two called Champagny and Courchevel which were christened in a ceremony held at HD Hyundai Mipo’s facilities on January 6th, 2025.

Ammonia does not release carbon emissions when it burns, hence it can help in decarbonising shipping.

“As a zero-carbon emission fuel during combustion, ammonia is being spotlighted as a next-generation solution for the maritime industry, which faces increasingly strict regulations on greenhouse gas emissions,” said HD Hyundai Mipo.

These ships, categorised as midsize gas carriers (MGCs) will be 190 m long and 30.4 m broad. They will have 3 cargo holds to accommodate around 46,000 m3 of liquified gas, including both LPG and ammonia.

Though the first two ships operate on a dual-fuel system, the remaining vessels will run on ammonia.

They will be equipped with eco-friendly technologies like a shaft generator, which produces electricity using the rotating shaft of the propulsion engine, boosting energy efficiency. They will also have a selective catalytic reduction or SCR device, a technology designed for reducing harmful emissions.

The ships will also have advanced safety features like real-time ammonia leak detection sensors, a water spraying system to contain the leaks and an ammonia release mitigation system.

Once completed, these ships will be managed by Exmar LPG France, EXMAR’s newly formed gas carrier division.

The ships are expected to enter service by the second quarter of 2026.

References: Interesting Engineering, Yahoo

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