The Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) announces the successful completion of ammonia bunkering for a commercial ammonia dual-fuel gas tanker. According to the port authority, this is the world’s first port-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation for a commercial vessel. The operation took place in the port of Ulsan.
Bunkering took place at Pier 2 of the Ulsan Main Port. The company Lotte Fine Chemical supplied around 600 tons of ammonia to a ship built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Lotte Fine Chemical is reportedly designated as a demonstration operator for the supply of sustainable marine fuels.
According to UPA, the process builds on previous bunkering projects in Ulsan. These include methanol bunkering demonstrations from 2023 to 2026 and simultaneous LNG bunkering operations for car carriers. With the ammonia bunkering now completed, the port sees its role as a transshipment and supply location for alternative maritime fuels confirmed.
The project was based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concluded in January 2024 to promote the ammonia bunkering industry. The parties involved included Korean Register (KR), Lotte Fine Chemical, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HMM. According to the port authority, the collaboration covered regulatory issues, port infrastructure, ship technology and fuel supply.
Authorities such as the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ulsan Fire Department were also involved. The aim was to ensure safety management and operational preparation of the bunkering.
“This world’s first ammonia bunkering operation was made possible by Ulsan Port’s advanced energy infrastructure and bunkering experience. It is an important milestone that demonstrates the port’s readiness to support a range of important sustainable marine fuels,” said UPA President Byun Jae-young.
The UPA points out that Ulsan has now demonstrated bunkering capabilities for LNG, methanol and ammonia. In view of the still open development of future fuel paths in shipping, ports with multi-fuel infrastructure could play a central role in the energy transition in maritime transport.
