CMB.TECH sends first ammonia-capable bulk carrier to Australia
CMB.TECH's first ammonia-capable vessel was built at China's Qingdao Beihai Shipyard and has started its maiden voyage to Australia.
IMAGE: The ammonia-capable dry bulk carrier Mineral Europa. CMB.TECH
Belgian shipping firm CMB.TECH has not confirmed whether the 210,000-dwt dry bulk carrier Mineral Europa is running on ammonia during its voyage to Australia.
The company has confirmed that its ammonia-capable fleet will comprise a total of 21 vessels by 2029. These include 18 dry bulk carriers, one container ship and two chemical tankers.
“Most of these vessels are expected to be delivered within the next nine months,” the company said.
CMB.TECH has also signed a green ammonia offtake agreement with Chinese producer CEEC Hydrogen Energy to secure fuel for 11 of these vessels. The ammonia will be supplied from CEEC Hydrogen Energy's production facility in China's Jilin Province, which has a first-phase capacity of around 158,000 mt/year, according to CMB.TECH.
Separately, CMB.TECH has signed charter agreements with Australian mining firm Fortescue and Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) involving these ammonia-capable vessels.
Fortescue plans to use ammonia to fuel vessels chartered under its agreement with CMB.TECH for iron ore shipments from Australia. An ammonia bunkering trial is also expected to take place at the Port of Port Hedland this year.
By Konica Bhatt
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
