CMB.Tech has made a series of investments in China’s ammonia supply chain as it prepares to deliver its first ammonia-powered vessels in 2026, according to a company statement released on 16 December.

The Belgian shipping group confirmed that it has entered into an offtake agreement for green ammonia produced by the China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) Songyuan project in Jilin Province. The deal covers renewable ammonia output from the project’s first phase, which is scheduled to begin commercial operations in January 2026.

According to the company, the Songyuan facility is designed to produce around 158,000 tonnes of renewable ammonia per year. Construction was completed in September 2025, with production supported by off-grid renewable power, battery systems, and hydrogen buffer storage. The project received ISCC EU Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) certification earlier this month following a verification audit carried out by Bureau Veritas (BV).

In parallel, CMB.Tech will acquire a minority shareholding in Jiangsu Andefu Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company active across ammonia storage, logistics, and distribution. The investment is intended to support the development of supply infrastructure for green ammonia as a marine fuel.

As part of Andefu’s ongoing projects, a subsidiary is constructing a 49,000-cbm low-temperature ammonia storage tank in Nanjing. The facility is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2026 and will serve as a distribution hub for ammonia supply.

Andefu is also working with CEEC on plans for an ammonia storage terminal in Panjin, which is scheduled to enter operation in the second half of 2027. In addition, the company is progressing ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering capabilities, targeting commercial availability in 2026.

The investments coincide with CMB.Tech’s plans to take delivery of 11 ammonia-powered vessels next year. These include 10 Newcastlemax bulk carriers of 210,000 dwt under construction at Qingdao Beihai Shipyard and one 1,400 TEU container vessel being built at China Merchants Industry Weihai. All vessels are expected to be delivered during 2026.

The ships will be equipped with dual-fuel diesel-ammonia main engines and designed to carry ammonia as fuel onboard, enabling ammonia operation for propulsion and other power requirements between ports.

Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.Tech, said: "Today marks a big milestone in our decarbonisation journey. With an investment in the Chinese ammonia supply chain, CMB.Tech will be able to provide green ammonia to its ships. It's another important step towards the launch of our first ammonia-powered ships and zero-emission maritime transportation. 2026 will be a very important year for our company and our industry, as we hope to prove to the world that we can decarbonise today to navigate tomorrow!"

According to the company, green ammonia does not produce CO₂ at the point of combustion. Moreover, CMB.Tech claims green ammonia is expected to become cost-competitive compared to diesel thanks to falling costs of renewable energy and related storage and supply systems.

The company stated that it will continue to engage with green ammonia producers worldwide to source fuel for its vessels. CMB.Tech also has ambitions to produce green ammonia in Namibia.

China Energy Engineering Group Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited and is active across the hydrogen energy value chain.

CMB.Tech is headquartered in Antwerp and operates a diversified fleet across multiple vessel segments.