CLEAN ENERGY
CMB.TECH Expands Ammonia-Powered Shipping as Namibia Develops Walvis Bay Fuel Hub
The maiden voyage of an ammonia-powered cargo vessel highlights the growing use of alternative marine fuels as Belgian maritime company CMB.TECH advances plans for ammonia infrastructure in Namibia.
By: Elizabeth Naftal
Belgian maritime and clean-energy company CMB.TECH’s ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel, Mineral Europa, began its maiden voyage from China to Australia on Friday, with the company planning to add 21 more ammonia-powered vessels to its fleet by 2029.
According to the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 210,000 deadweight tonnes. The Programme presented the voyage as an example of the growing commercial use of ammonia as an alternative marine fuel.
The Green Hydrogen Programme also indicated that CMB.TECH is developing green hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure in Walvis Bay, alongside a proposed ammonia storage and bunkering terminal at the Port of Walvis Bay.
The planned terminal is expected to have a storage capacity of 55,000 tonnes, the statement noted.
The facility could support the storage and distribution of ammonia for maritime use, although the statement did not confirm whether it would supply Mineral Europa or the company’s planned vessels, Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme said.
Meanwhile, CMB.TECH is collaborating with TransNamib on a hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel locomotive. The proposed six-month pilot would involve approximately 50 return journeys between Walvis Bay and Windhoek.
