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CMB.Tech's Ammonia-Powered Bulk Carrier Completes Sea Trials, Heads to Australia

The Mineral Europa, a 210,000-deadweight-ton dry bulk carrier built in China, has completed sea trials and begun its maiden voyage to Australia as the world's first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier. The Belgian shipowner's dual-fuel vessel bunkered 1,000 metric tons of green ammonia at Zhoushan before departure. CMB.Tech plans to deliver 21 ammonia-powered ships through 2029, including 18 dry bulk carriers, one containership and two chemical tankers. The economics hinge on long-term decarbonization rather than fuel savings. Green ammonia costs roughly five times diesel at $2,900 per metric ton, while ammonia-fueled newbuilds command 15-20% premiums over conventional designs. The fuel requires nearly three times the volume of diesel for equivalent energy. Fortescue's charter of up to 12 CMB.Tech vessels, with three featuring ammonia dual-fuel capability, anchors demand for the alternative propulsion technology.