Ulsan Port Completes World’s First Port-to-Ship Ammonia Bunkering For Commercial Vessel

South Korea’s Ulsan Port has completed the world’s first Port-to-Ship (PTS) ammonia bunkering operation for a commercial vessel.

The Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) said the operation was carried out on April 23 at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port, where about 600 tonnes of clean ammonia were supplied to a 45,000-cbm ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Lotte Fine Chemical, acting as the designated sustainable marine fuel supply demonstration operator, delivered the fuel using the PTS method, in what UPA called the first ammonia bunkering transfer of its kind for a commercial vessel.

According to UPA, the operation followed more than two years of preparation after stakeholders signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2024 to support development of the ammonia bunkering sector.

Since then, UPA has worked with stakeholders across the ammonia value chain, including Korean Register, Lotte Fine Chemical, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HMM, covering regulations, fuel supply, port infrastructure and vessel readiness.

Authorities including South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ulsan Fire Department also supported the operation, focusing on safety management and operational preparedness.

The port has previously carried out the world’s first methanol bunkering demonstration between 2023 and 2026, as well as simultaneous LNG bunkering operations for car carriers.

Ulsan Port has strengthened its position as a multi-fuel bunkering hub as shipowners and ports continue to prepare for different fuel scenarios rather than rely on a single solution.

Industry interest in ammonia as a marine fuel has grown in recent years, although commercial adoption remains at an early stage.

Challenges around safety, regulations, engine technology and fuel supply infrastructure have been seen as key hurdles for wider use.

Ports capable of safely handling multiple marine fuels are expected to play an important role as the energy transition progresses, particularly as demand grows for infrastructure supporting methanol, LNG and ammonia-fueled vessels.

Reference: Ulsan Port