Sandefjord, Norway, based Amon Maritime has secured a NOK 253m investment grant from Enova to support the construction of two newbuilds, known as ‘Amon Bulk 1’ and ‘Amon Bulk 2’, which will be among the first large bulk carriers fuelled by ammonia.
The two vessels represent different segments and sizes:
- Amon Bulk 1 is a Capesize bulk carrier, typically around 180,000 dwt, designed for long-haul transport of heavy bulk commodities.
- Amon Bulk 2 is a Kamsarmax bulk carrier, approximately 80 000-85 000 dwt, offering greater port flexibility while maintaining high cargo capacity and energy efficiency.
Enova MD Nils Kristian Nakstad said: “The technology is still new. Now we will support the industry in building experience. If we are going to succeed in cutting emissions from ocean transportation, we need to go for solutions that can grow in scale towards 2050.”
The grant is awarded under Enova’s program for ammonia-powered vessels and is said to mark a major step toward the 2050 targets.
André Risholm, CEO Amon Maritime, said: “With Amon Bulk, we are taking a significant step toward decarbonizing bulk trades in deep-sea shipping with ammonia fuel. The Capesize and Kamsarmax segments are ideal for ammonia adoption. These vessels have high fuel consumption and operate on established routes for industrial clients with strong climate ambitions. This combination enables both substantial environmental impact and solid commercial viability.”
The vessels are scheduled for delivery by 2029 and will be part of a new generation of zero-emission bulk carriers.
Image: Two ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers for Amon Bulk (source: Amon Bulk)
