A dual-fuel gas carrier has completed the world’s first port-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation for a commercial vessel at Ulsan Port. Approximately 600 tonnes of ammonia were supplied by Lotte Fine Chemical to a 45,000 cubic metre class vessel constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and operated by Exmar.
The operation took place on 23 April at Pier 2 of the port’s main terminal. The vessel, Antwerpen, is designed to transport liquefied gases, including ammonia and LPG, and can use its cargo as fuel.
The bunkering operation was conducted using a port-to-ship transfer method. Previous ammonia bunkering activities have been limited to demonstrations, as industry efforts have focused on establishing safety procedures for handling the fuel. Ammonia’s toxicity requires specific operational controls during storage and transfer.
Byun Jae-young, president of the Ulsan Port Authority, said: ‘This world-first ammonia bunkering operation was made possible by Ulsan Port’s advanced energy infrastructure and accumulated bunkering expertise. It is a meaningful milestone that demonstrates the port’s readiness to support a range of major sustainable marine fuels.’
The port authority signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in January 2024 to develop ammonia bunkering with partners including Korean Register and industrial stakeholders covering fuel supply, shipbuilding and operations. Government agencies, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and local emergency services, were involved in safety planning and execution.
Antwerpen is the first in a series ordered in 2023 and a sister ship is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be delivered in June. Both vessels are intended to support the transport and potential use of ammonia as fuel.
The ammonia used in the operation was sourced from a renewable-based production facility developed by Envision in Inner Mongolia, using wind and solar power. Lotte Fine Chemical completed what it described as the first commercial import of green ammonia ahead of the bunkering.
The port authority said: ‘As the shipping industry navigates uncertainty around future fuel pathways, ports that can support multiple fuel options are expected to play a critical role in enabling a flexible and resilient energy transition.’
The port has previously carried out LNG bunkering operations and methanol bunkering demonstrations. With ammonia added, the port authority said it has now demonstrated bunkering capabilities across multiple alternative fuels.
