Belgian shipowner CMB Tech announced that its dry bulk carrier Mineral Europa had completed sea trials and was preparing for its first voyage to Australia.
The company calls the vessel the first dry bulk carrier globally to use ammonia as fuel, and says it leads a planned series. Its engine can use either ammonia or conventional marine fuel.
The 210,000 DWT Newcastlemax vessel was built by Qingdao Beihai Shipyard in China. It will be sailing under a charter agreement with Fortescue.
In June, the Australian mining company agreed to charter up to 12 CMB Tech Newcastlemaxes. Up to three of them are to be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and the rest are to be delivered ammonia-ready.
CMB Tech said that, by 2029, it expects delivery of 21 ammonia-powered ships, comprising a container vessel, two chemical tankers and 18 dry bulk carriers. The company expects most of the fleet to be delivered over the next nine months.
"Mineral Europa is the first of its kind, but many more will follow in the months and years ahead," said CMB Tech CEO Alexander Saverys.
The company said it is also working on infrastructure to fuel the fleet, including ammonia storage facilities and bunker barges.
In April, CMB Tech outlined plans for 11 ammonia-capable newbuilds to be delivered by March 2027. Sister Newcastlemax Mineral Lietuva was delivered in June.