The Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) announced the successful completion of the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation for a dual-fuel gas carrier on April 23, 2026. This achievement follows Ulsan Port’s prior milestones, including the first methanol bunkering demonstration and simultaneous LNG bunkering for car carriers, solidifying its status as a leading hub for green marine fuel.
The operation occurred at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port, where Lotte Fine Chemical supplied approximately 600 tons of clean ammonia to a 45K-class vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. This marked a significant advancement in Port-to-Ship (PTS) ammonia bunkering for commercial vessels.
To facilitate this milestone, UPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2024, collaborating with stakeholders across the ammonia value chain, including Korean Register, Lotte Fine Chemical, and HMM. Their efforts focused on policy, regulation, infrastructure, vessel readiness, and fuel supply.
Additionally, local authorities, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ulsan Fire Department, ensured robust safety management and operational readiness. As the shipping industry faces uncertainty over future fuel pathways, ports that support diverse fuel options will be crucial for a flexible energy transition.
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