Ulsan Port claims an ammonia bunkering world first

Milestone ammonia bunkering operation took place at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port. [Ulsan Port Authority]

South Korea’s Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) reports that on April 23 it successful completed the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation for an ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier at Ulsan Port on April 23, 2026.

The bunkering operation took place at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port, where Lotte Fine Chemical, designated as the sustainable marine fuel supply demonstration operator, supplied approximately 600 tons of clean ammonia via PTS method to a 45K-class vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

This milestone is seen as taking ammonia-fueled vessels a major step forward to becoming an operational reality. It builds on Ulsan Port’s earlier achievements, including the world’s first methanol bunkering demonstration (2023–2026) and simultaneous LNG bunkering operations for car carriers.

With this latest development, says Ulsan Port, it has, for the first time in the world, demonstrated ammonia bunkering for a commercial vessel via port-to-ship (PTS) operations, reinforcing its position as a leading green marine fuel supply hub.

To enable this milestone, UPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2024 to promote the ammonia bunkering industry. Since then, it has worked closely with key stakeholders across the ammonia value chain, including Korean Register (KR), Lotte Fine Chemical, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and HMM, covering policy and regulation, port infrastructure, vessel readiness, and fuel supply.

In addition, authorities including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ulsan Fire Department, collaborated closely to ensure robust safety management and operational readiness.

With this achievement, Ulsan Port continues to burnish its credentials as one of the most advanced ports globally in enabling next-generation marine fuels, having now proven bunkering capabilities across LNG, methanol, and ammonia, and advancing a practical, multi-fuel pathway to maritime decarbonization.

As the shipping industry navigates uncertainty around future fuel pathways, ports that can support multiple fuel options are expected to play a critical role in enabling a flexible and resilient energy transition.

Byun Jae-young, president of UPA, said, “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.”