CMB.Tech’s Mineral Europa, the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel, has embarked on its maiden voyage to Australia. The 210,000-DWT vessel is one of 21 ammonia-powered ships that are scheduled for delivery to the shipping company between now and 2029.
Mineral Europa is the first in a new generation of ammonia-powered vessels entering the CMB.Tech fleet. The 21 ammonia-powered vessels consist of eighteen dry bulk vessels, one container ship and two chemical tankers. Most of these vessels are expected to be delivered within the next nine months.
‘Today marks a defining moment for CMB.Tech and for the shipping industry. After almost a decade of hard work, we are proving that decarbonising shipping is no longer a distant ambition. It is happening today. Mineral Europa is the first of its kind, but many more will follow in the months and years ahead. The need to decarbonise shipping and strengthen energy independence has never been greater. Our technology and our ships are game changers for the industry,’ says Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.Tech.
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Green ammonia
Green ammonia combines renewable power, water and air into a fuel that can be produced worldwide. When used in an engine, it emits no CO2. Ammonia is scalable and strengthens energy independence.
Mineral Europa proves that large ocean-going ships can be powered by ammonia. Thanks to improvements in technology, green ammonia can rapidly become cheaper than diesel.
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Mineral Europa
CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding built the Mineral Europa. It measures 300 x 50 metres and has a depth of 25.20 metres. The vessel has a top speed of 14 knots. WinGD developed the dual-fuel 6X72DF-A HPSCR ammonia engines, which were manufactured by CSE.
Ammonia is stored in liquid form in independent tanks on board the vessel. They are located on deck, at safe distance from ship sides (>4 m) and cargo area (>10 m).The vessel can carry 2x 3000 m3 of ammonia.
Training and safety
Safety protocols and training are essential for handling ammonia safely on ships. Together with Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, specific training courses have been developed. Every seafarer must attend a complementary shore-based training prior to boarding a dual fuel vessel. Based on the position on board additional training may be required.
Safety measures include proper ventilation systems, water mist systems, leak detection systems, double walled piping, emergency response plans, personal protective equipment, and compliance with stringent regulations governing ammonia handling.
A new fuel ecosystem
CMB.Tech is building a new fuel ecosystem needed to support the transition to clean shipping. The company also invests in ammonia storage solutions and bunker barges to ensure ammonia can be delivered safely and efficiently to ocean-going ships.
Picture: The Mineral Europa is the first ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel in the CMB.Tech fleet. Twenty more ammonia-powered vessels will follow (photo CMB-Tech).
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