The Ulsan Port Authority in South Korea has announced that it has successfully conducted the world's first port-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation for a commercial vessel. This marks an important step in the shipping i...
The Ulsan Port Authority in South Korea has announced that it has successfully conducted the world's first port-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation for a commercial vessel. This marks an important step in the shipping industry’s quest for scalable zero-carbon fuels.
The operation was carried out on April 23 at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port, where around 600 metric tons of clean ammonia were supplied to a 45,000-cubic-meter ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The delivery used a port-to-ship (PTS) bunkering method, conducted by Lotte Fine Chemical, which is the demonstration operator for sustainable marine fuel supply at this port.
This demonstration adds ammonia to a growing list of alternative fuels tested at Ulsan, which has previously conducted successful methanol bunkering and simultaneous LNG bunkering operations. This positions Ulsan Port as a leader in developing infrastructure for various low- and zero-carbon marine fuels.
This development is significant because ammonia is seen as a potential long-term marine fuel due to its carbon-free combustion. However, it is still at an early stage of commercialization, with safety concerns, regulations, engine technology, and fuel supply networks continuing to evolve. Establishing port infrastructure that can safely handle ammonia is a vital challenge for wider adoption.
According to the Ulsan Port Authority, this milestone came after over two years of preparation, beginning with a memorandum of understanding signed in January 2024 to promote ammonia bunkering. The initiative brought together various stakeholders, including Korean Register, Lotte Fine Chemical, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HMM, and relevant government agencies and emergency response authorities, to tackle issues related to fuel supply, vessel readiness, regulations, and safety procedures.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Ulsan Fire Department also played roles in ensuring safety and operational readiness for the bunkering transfer, as noted by the port authority.
This demonstration takes place as shipowners, fuel suppliers, and ports are exploring multiple fuel options rather than relying on a single solution for maritime decarbonization. Although LNG and methanol have progressed further into commercial use, ammonia is gaining attention for deep-sea applications, especially as engine manufacturers and shipbuilders develop ammonia-capable vessel designs.
UPA President Byun Jae-young stated, “This world-first ammonia bunkering operation was made possible by Ulsan Port’s advanced energy infrastructure and accumulated bunkering expertise. It is a significant milestone that shows the port’s readiness to support various major sustainable marine fuels.”
Byun added, “We are committed to leading the way in sustainable marine fuel bunkering and enhancing Ulsan Port’s reputation as a reliable global hub.”