Anglo-Eastern has outlined its role in the development, technical preparation and crew readiness of CMB.TECH’s Mineral Europa, described by the companies as the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier.
The 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax has entered service and commenced its maiden voyage. Built by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, the vessel is fitted with a WinGD dual-fuel ammonia engine and a Sun Rui Ammonia Fuel Supply System.
Context: Dry bulk shipping market explained
Mineral Europa is capable of operating on either ammonia or conventional marine fuel. This dual-fuel arrangement is intended to provide operational flexibility while ammonia bunkering infrastructure continues to develop.
Operational context
According to Anglo-Eastern, its involvement in the project began in 2018, when its technical services division started assessing alternative-fuel options with CMB.TECH. The early work initially considered hydrogen before the partners moved their focus to ammonia.
By 2020, Anglo-Eastern Technical Services was working on the vessel’s safety philosophy, fuel arrangements and preliminary engineering. The design subsequently received Approvals in Principle from Lloyd’s Register and ABS in 2021.
A key aspect of the engineering work was the integration of ammonia fuel systems into a large commercial bulk carrier while preserving cargo-carrying capability. The project required arrangements for ammonia storage, double-wall piping, ventilation, leak detection, containment and emergency shutdown systems.
Arunava Sengupta, Managing Director of Anglo-Eastern Technical Services, said the challenge extended beyond installing a new fuel system, requiring safety, containment and operational requirements to operate as an integrated arrangement without undermining the vessel’s role as a cargo carrier.
What it means for maritime operators
Anglo-Eastern also provided support during newbuilding supervision and technical management preparations. Its work included developing vessel-specific procedures covering operations, bunkering, maintenance and emergency response.
Crew preparation formed another element of the programme. Training incorporated a three-dimensional digital twin, a fuel supply simulator and emergency scenarios. Senior officers also took part in shipyard and sea trials.
Bjorn Hojgaard, Anglo-Eastern’s chief executive, said the project demonstrated the importance of combining an owner’s commitment with engineering and operational capability. CMB.TECH chief executive Alexander Saverys described the vessel’s entry into service as a milestone in the company’s decarbonisation strategy, adding that further ammonia-powered vessels are expected to follow.
Anglo-Eastern said it continues to take a fuel-agnostic approach, supporting shipowners in assessing alternative propulsion technologies based on their operational needs.