Ammonia Shipping Milestones: EPS Takes VLAC Delivery as Exmar Commissions First Ammonia-Powered Deepsea Vessel

## Ammonia Shipping Reaches Twin Milestones in Single Week The maritime industry's transition toward ammonia — both as a clean energy cargo and as a propulsion fuel — has reached a pair of landmark moments, with two separate developments underscoring the growing commercial viability of the molecule in global shipping. ### EPS Receives VLAC for Trafigura Green Ammonia Trade Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has taken delivery of a very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) from China's Jiangnan Shipyard, according to Seatrade Maritime. The vessel has been designated to support long-haul green ammonia transportation for commodity trader Trafigura, reflecting the growing demand for purpose-built tonnage capable of moving large volumes of ammonia across intercontinental trade routes. The delivery marks a significant step in the buildout of a dedicated green ammonia supply chain, as producers in regions with abundant renewable energy seek to export the fuel to industrial and energy markets in Europe and Asia. VLACs represent the large-scale logistics infrastructure required to make that trade economically competitive over long distances. ### Exmar Commissions First Ammonia-Powered Deepsea Vessel In a parallel development, Belgian gas shipping specialist Exmar has commissioned what is reported to be the world's first ammonia-powered deepsea vessel, Seatrade Maritime reports. The vessel is the first in a series of four oceangoing gas carriers equipped with WinGD ammonia-fuelled engines, marking a critical proof-of-concept moment for ammonia as a marine fuel at scale. The use of WinGD's ammonia engine technology on an oceangoing commercial vessel represents a transition from pilot projects and laboratory testing to operational deployment. Exmar's series order of four such vessels suggests confidence in the technology's readiness for commercial service, and is expected to provide valuable real-world performance data that could accelerate broader industry adoption. ### Why These Developments Matter Together, the two milestones illustrate ammonia's dual role in the decarbonisation of shipping: as a zero-carbon cargo enabling the global trade of green energy, and as a fuel capable of replacing conventional marine fuels aboard ships themselves. Industry analysts have long identified ammonia as one of the most promising long-term alternatives to heavy fuel oil, given its energy density, established production infrastructure, and the absence of carbon in its molecular composition. Challenges around toxicity, handling, and engine technology have historically slowed adoption, but the commissioning of Exmar's vessel and the delivery of EPS's VLAC suggest that commercial-scale solutions are now moving from concept to reality. Both developments are likely to be closely watched by shipowners, charterers, and fuel suppliers navigating the industry's path toward IMO decarbonisation targets.