Recently, Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "CIMC SOE") signed a shipbuilding contract with Norway’s Amon Gas for 2+2 ammonia dual-fuel midsize LPG/liquid ammonia carriers, each with a capacity of 51,000 cubic meters. This milestone collaboration marks a significant step forward for both parties in advancing green shipping and clean energy adoption.
It is understood that Amon Gas is a joint venture established by Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Amon Maritime. The company focuses on building and operating ammonia-fueled gas carriers, committed to substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry through innovative solutions. Its ammonia-fueled MGC (Medium Gas Carrier) project, launched in 2019, has received support from Norway’s state energy and environmental technology agency ENOVA. The 51,000 m³ vessel type contracted with CIMC SOE represents the further development and concrete implementation of this project. The new vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
As a key joint venture partner of Amon Gas, Navigator Holdings Ltd. ("Navigator") is a specialized shipping company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NVGS). It focuses on the maritime transport of liquefied gases and chemicals, operating a fleet of 58 modern gas carriers with an average age of 11.4 years. Its fleet includes multi-purpose gas carriers, semi-refrigerated/semi-pressurized vessels, and fully refrigerated gas carriers suitable for transporting various liquefied gases and chemicals. As the world’s largest owner of midsize ethylene carriers, Navigator also holds a 50% stake in Morgan’s Point Terminal, the world’s largest ethylene export terminal.
The newly ordered 51,000 m³ ammonia dual-fuel midsize LPG/liquid ammonia carriers represent the world’s largest midsize gas carriers to date. They are also the first midsize gas carriers globally to adopt ammonia propulsion with a capacity exceeding 51,000 m³, signaling a critical direction for future green shipping. According to data from the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA), as of March 2025, a total of 130 ammonia-fueled vessels have been ordered and announced globally, with an additional 225 vessels designated as "ammonia-ready." This reflects ammonia’s accelerating adoption as a key pathway for shipping decarbonization, positioning CIMC SOE’s new vessel design at the forefront of this technological wave.
The vessel design fully addresses future green energy demands and will play a vital role in reducing the global shipping industry’s carbon footprint. Unlike existing MGC designs equipped solely with ammonia-fueled main engines but lacking ammonia-fueled generator sets, these new vessels feature the simultaneous application of ammonia-fueled main engines and generator sets. This breakthrough establishes a new benchmark for ammonia-fueled midsize gas carriers and will contribute to achieving the emission reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Through the technical application and project execution of ammonia-fueled main engines and generator sets, CIMC SOE will comprehensively master key competencies including: System integration of ammonia power systems onboard vessels, safety control protocols, fuel gas supply design, commissioning procedures.
This lays a solid foundation for the future R&D and market promotion of ammonia bunkering vessels, large ammonia-fueled gas carriers, and related supporting equipment, further consolidating the company’s technological leadership in green shipping.
Moving forward, both parties will leverage this project to jointly advance green vessel development and deliver viable practical pathways for the low-carbon transition of the global shipping industry!
