In a decisive move toward decarbonizing maritime transport, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced the upcoming deployment of the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulk carriers and chemical tankers. This significant development signals a growing shift in propulsion strategy for the global shipping sector, where ammonia is emerging as a practical, zero-carbon alternative.
The initiative is a joint effort between MOL, its wholly owned subsidiary MOL Chemical Tankers Pte. Ltd. (MOLCT), and Belgium’s CMB.TECH NV. The three companies will co-own and charter a total of nine vessels designed to operate using ammonia as a primary fuel—marking the first real-world application of this technology on such large-scale commercial ships.
A New Chapter in Ship Propulsion
The project includes three Capesize bulkers set for delivery between 2026 and 2027, constructed by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in China. These massive vessels, typically used for transporting iron ore and coal, are among the largest dry cargo ships in the world, making their conversion to ammonia propulsion a notable technical feat.
Two ammonia dual-fuel chemical tankers are also on the books, to be delivered between 2028 and 2029 by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng. Additionally, four ammonia-ready chemical tankers will be built, engineered to be easily retrofitted for ammonia use as fuel technology and infrastructure evolve.
The decision to invest in ammonia propulsion aligns with MOL’s broader sustainability roadmap—outlined in its “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2”—which commits the company to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These newbuilds form part of that strategy, representing a tangible step in transitioning toward low- and zero-emission shipping.
Why Ammonia?
Unlike conventional marine fuels, ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide when burned. Its energy density and existing global distribution network make it a serious contender in the race for alternative marine fuels. Still, operational use of ammonia is not without challenges. Toxicity, storage, and bunkering procedures must be carefully managed to ensure safety.
That said, the move by MOL, MOLCT, and CMB.TECH suggests confidence in ammonia’s scalability and future viability. Their approach—building ships with both current and future capability in mind—mirrors a trend among operators hedging their fuel strategy in anticipation of tighter emission regulations and shifting client expectations.
Takeshi Hashimoto, President & CEO of MOL, called the move “a pragmatic step toward cleaner operations without compromising capability or range.” His remarks underline a practical approach to innovation, rather than a sweeping promise of transformation.
A Signal to the Industry
This deployment may influence how other major shipping lines plan their fleet upgrades. Rather than waiting for regulatory mandates, MOL is taking preemptive action—potentially giving it an edge with customers looking for lower-carbon transport solutions. It also helps reassure stakeholders that the company is not just reacting to trends, but helping shape them.
These first ammonia-fueled Capesize bulkers and chemical tankers are more than symbolic—they’re a working testbed that could set a new baseline for shipping design and operational standards in years to come.
