Ulsan port completes world-first ammonia bunkering for vessel

The port integrates ammonia fueling whilst expanding LNG and methanol systems.

The Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) has completed what it described as the world’s first ammonia port-to-ship bunkering operation for a commercial vessel at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port on 23 April 2026.

In a press release, the port said Lotte Fine Chemical supplied about 600 tonnes of ammonia as part of a sustainable marine fuel demonstration via the port-to-ship method to a 45,000-class ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI).

The operation builds on earlier bunkering activities, including methanol bunkering demonstrations between 2023 and 2026 and liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering for car carriers.

UPA said the latest operation marks the first ammonia bunkering for a commercial vessel conducted via port-to-ship operations.

The authority said it coordinated with stakeholders across the ammonia value chain—including Korean Register, Lotte Fine Chemical, HD HHI, and HMM—covering regulation, port infrastructure, vessel readiness, and fuel supply.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Ulsan Fire Department supported safety management and operational readiness.

UPA said the development strengthens its capabilities across LNG, methanol, and ammonia bunkering as it seeks to support multiple fuel pathways for shipping.