HD Hyundai Samho Co., Ltd. has successfully delivered its first Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC), marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion into next-generation low-carbon gas carrier construction.
The 93,000-cubic-metre vessel, Jane Maersk, has been delivered to Danish shipping company A.P. Moller – Maersk and is the first in a series of 10 Very Large Ammonia Carriers scheduled for delivery by September 2028.
Measuring 221 metres in length, 36.5 metres in beam and 23.6 metres in height, the vessel has been designed to transport both liquefied ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), offering greater operational flexibility for evolving global energy and petrochemical trades.
Given ammonia’s higher density, corrosiveness and toxicity compared to conventional cargoes, the vessel incorporates advanced safety features, including a dedicated high liquid level alarm that operates exclusively during ammonia loading. The system is designed to reduce operator workload while minimising the risk of cargo misloading, enhancing both operational efficiency and safety.
The delivery reflects the growing global demand for specialised ammonia carriers as ammonia trade expands beyond traditional industrial applications to support the emerging low-carbon energy economy. Ammonia is increasingly viewed as a key energy carrier and potential zero-carbon marine fuel, driving investments in purpose-built vessels capable of transporting the cargo safely and efficiently.
The delivery of Jane Maersk underscores HD Hyundai Samho’s growing capabilities in the construction of advanced gas carriers and reinforces the shipbuilder’s position in the rapidly expanding market for vessels supporting the global energy transition.