HD Hyundai Samho has officially launched its first Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC), representing a significant step in the growing market for ships designed to carry low-carbon fuels.
On Monday, the South Korean shipbuilder announced the delivery of the 93,000-cubic-meter Jane Maersk to Danish shipping leader Maersk. This vessel is the first of five VLACs that Maersk ordered in November 2023.
The ship is designed to carry both liquefied ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It features special safety systems to manage the toxic and corrosive nature of ammonia. One of these systems includes a high-level alarm designed to prevent cargo overfilling during loading.
The delivery is timely, as ammonia is gaining popularity as a marine fuel and hydrogen carrier, leading to a growing demand for ships that can safely transport it over long distances. Currently, most ammonia is used in fertilizer production, but it is increasingly seen as a potential zero-carbon fuel for shipping, especially when produced using low-carbon or renewable energy sources.
HD Hyundai Samho stated that this delivery enhances its status in the emerging market for next-generation, eco-friendly vessels.
So far this year, the shipbuilder has secured orders for nine VLACs, increasing its total orders for this vessel type to 22 ships, valued at around $2.55 billion.
This recent delivery highlights the growing confidence among shipowners and cargo operators that global ammonia trade will increase in the coming years, driven by investments in clean energy, hydrogen production, and alternative marine fuels.