CMB.TECH NV has announced a significant agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and MOL CHEMICAL TANKERS PTE. LTD. (MOLCT) for the construction of nine ammonia-powered vessels. These ships will be among the world’s first ammonia-fueled Newcastlemax bulk carriers and chemical tankers, marking a major milestone in the transition toward sustainable maritime transport.

The agreement includes three 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax bulk carriers and six chemical tankers. The bulk carriers, which will be equipped to operate on ammonia fuel, are currently on order at Qingdao Beihai Shipyard. They will be jointly owned by CMB.TECH and MOL and leased to MOL for a period of 12 years each. The six chemical tankers are being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou). Two of these will be ammonia-fitted, while the remaining four will be ammonia-ready. CMB.TECH will own these vessels and charter them to MOLCT, with lease periods of 10 years for the ammonia-fitted tankers and seven years for the ammonia-ready ones. The Newcastlemax bulk carriers are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, while the chemical tankers will be delivered between 2028 and 2029.

Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that signing this landmark agreement with MOL and MOLCT is a proud moment for the company. He emphasized that MOL is one of the most respected shipowners in the world and that both companies share a strong commitment to decarbonizing the shipping industry. He highlighted that these nine vessels mark a significant step toward achieving the maritime sector’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

This agreement significantly boosts CMB.TECH’s standing in the green shipping sector. The company’s contract backlog will increase by $921 million, bringing the total to $2.94 billion. This growth reaffirms CMB.TECH’s strategy of fleet rejuvenation, decarbonization, and diversification, demonstrating its commitment to investing in sustainable and innovative shipping solutions.

As the maritime industry continues its transition toward cleaner energy sources, this partnership stands as a testament to the potential of ammonia as an alternative fuel. The collaboration between CMB.TECH and MOL represents a forward-looking approach to reducing emissions and creating a greener future for global shipping.

CMB.TECH is a diversified maritime group focused on future-proof solutions. The company owns and operates a fleet of over 150 seagoing vessels, including crude oil tankers, dry bulk carriers, container ships, chemical tankers, offshore wind vessels, and workboats. In addition to shipping, CMB.TECH supplies hydrogen and ammonia fuel to customers, either through in-house production or third-party providers.

Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, the company has a global presence with offices in Europe, Asia, the United States, and Africa. CMB.TECH is publicly traded on Euronext Brussels and the NYSE under the ticker symbol CMBT.