Seatrade-Maritime: Ulsan Port completes world’s first commercial ammonia bunkering

Published by Seatrade-Maritime

South Korea’s Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) has completed what it describes as the world’s first commercial ammonia bunkering operation for an Exmar ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier.

The operation took place on 23 April 2026 at Ulsan Main Port, where approximately 600 tonnes of ammonia were supplied via a Port-to-Ship (PTS) method to the 45,000 cubic metre-class gas tanker Antwerpen. The tanker was built by HD Hyundai as the first in a series of vessels for Exmar.  

The bunkering was carried out by Lotte Fine Chemical, fuel supplier, which has been designated as the operator for sustainable marine fuel supply demonstrations.

The port of Uslan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2024, under which UPA coordinated with stakeholders to promote the ammonia bunkering industry. 

These included Korean Register (KR), classification society, Lotte Fine Chemical, fuel supplier, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, shipbuilder, and HMM, shipping line, covering regulatory, infrastructure and vessel readiness requirements.

Byun Jae-young, President of Ulsan Port Authority (UPA), said that “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.”

“We are committed to spearheading sustainable marine fuel bunkering and strengthening Ulsan Port’s position as a trusted global hub.”

The Antwerpen remains on the dock in Ulsan while her sister ship, Arlon, is completing sea trials. The second ship is scheduled to be delivered to Exmar in June.