The delivery of MGC ANTWERPEN has successfully completed its maiden commercial voyage, from China to India, in July 2026. It is the world's first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel Medium Gas Carrier (MGC), built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for EXMAR.
Until now, ammonia-fuelled propulsion had been validated through engineering analysis, risk assessment and sea trials. This maiden voyage means ammonia as a fuel has now entered real-world commercial service, with the potential for up to 90% fewer emissions compared with conventional fuels.
From concept to commercial operation
The successful voyage is the result of several years of collaboration between EXMAR, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), LR, WinGD, and Nord Gas Solutions (formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions). The 46,000 m³ vessel can transport either ammonia or LPG and operates on ammonia fuel, for near-zero emission operations.
Before delivery, LR oversaw extensive verification through design approval, Risk-Based Certification (RBC) processes, including Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) studies, gas trials and sea trials.
Commercial operations expose the vessel to variable operating conditions and cargo operations, yielding valuable data to further improve the operation of future ammonia-fuelled vessels. This maiden commercial voyage gives an additional level of validation, confirming the performance of propulsion and fuel supply systems under trading conditions.
As LR CEO Nick Brown explained at delivery, “This vessel is an important step forward for the safe adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel. It shows what can be achieved when safety is embedded from the outset through rigorous risk assessment, close collaboration and a shared commitment to operational excellence.”
Operational support
HD HHI supported the maiden voyage by deploying engineers to monitor the ammonia fuel system, offering technical support by monitoring system performance, collecting operational data and, if needed, supporting the safe operation of the ME-Ammonia engine while running on ammonia fuel.
This first-of-a-kind project tests ammonia, a fuel with toxic properties, to make sure the vessel completes its operations safely. Rather than ending the project at delivery, HD HHI intends to offer consistent post-delivery operational support and a verification process across all EXMAR series vessels.
A second vessel has successfully completed gas trials and was delivered in late July 2026 while the remaining sister vessels progress through construction. Operational experience from the first and second vessels will be incorporated into operations for the remaining ships, strengthening the design integrity, safety and reliability of the ammonia dual-fuel system.
Continuous Assurance beyond delivery
For LR, the project shows that the successful deployment of a first-of-a-kind technology depends on more than rigorous design approval and classification during construction.
LR worked closely with EXMAR, HD HHI and other project partners from the earliest concept stage. LR’s RBC process added safety measures addressing the toxicity of ammonia such as a dedicated Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS) room, an ammonia purge gas recovery unit, gas detection thresholds based on toxic safety levels, relocating vents and ventilation openings through the gas dispersion analysis and enhanced gas-safe machinery space design.
In parallel, LR supported the development of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Interim Guidelines governing the use of ammonia cargo as fuel onboard gas carriers, which help to establish an important regulatory foundation for future projects.
Feedback from this first successful commercial operation complements verification during design approval and sea trials. Lessons learned from commercial service will help refine future vessel designs, operational procedures and industry Rules, accelerating the safe adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
For LR, the principle of Continuous Assurance supports customers throughout the vessel’s lifecycle from concept development and design assessment to construction, commissioning, commercial operation and continuous improvement
Building confidence in ammonia
As the maritime industry accelerates its transition towards low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels, confidence in new technologies will depend on proven operational performance, rather than design approval alone.
The EXMAR project shows how close collaboration between the owner, shipyard, classification society, engine designers, equipment suppliers and Flag Administration can successfully bridge the gap between innovative design and commercial operation.
More importantly, the project establishes a practical framework for future ammonia-fuelled vessels that combines robust risk-based design, rigorous technical verification, real-world operational experience and continuous improvement.
From first-of-a-kind to future fleet
With one vessel in commercial service and sister vessels progressing towards delivery, the project is an important reference for the next generation of ammonia-fuelled ships.
The message is clear. The next stage of alternative-fuel shipping will be defined by technological innovation and how effectively the industry converts operational experience into safer designs, stronger regulations and wider commercial adoption.
