Exmar has announced the delivery of its second dual-fuel ammonia midsize gas carrier, named Arlon. The vessel was handed over today, July 30, at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard located in South Korea. The Arlon is designed to carry up to 46,000 cubic meters (cbm) of either ammonia or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
This delivery follows that of its sister vessel, Antwerpen, which was received last month and successfully completed its first commercial voyage utilizing ammonia as fuel just last week. Both the Arlon and Antwerpen will be owned by EXMAR France and will sail under the Belgian Flag. The company indicated that the Arlon is now preparing for its inaugural journey.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, the introduction of more dual-fuel ammonia carriers like the Arlon signifies a growing trend towards decarbonization in maritime shipping. While these vessels primarily transport ammonia or LPG, their existence contributes to the broader development of alternative fuel infrastructure and operational experience. This could eventually lead to more widespread adoption of low-emission fuels across other vessel types, potentially influencing future bunker costs and compliance requirements for shippers aiming to reduce their supply chain emissions. As the fleet of such vessels expands, it reinforces the industry's commitment to sustainability, a factor increasingly important for BCOs and their forwarder partners.
