Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) has announced the successful completion of the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation for an ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier at Ulsan Port on April 23, 2026, marking a major breakthrough in the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.
The milestone follows Ulsan Port’s earlier achievements, including the world’s first methanol bunkering demonstration between 2023 and 2026 and simultaneous LNG bunkering for car carriers. With this latest operation, the port has now demonstrated ammonia bunkering for a commercial vessel through Port-to-Ship (PTS) operations for the first time globally, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for green marine fuels.
The bunkering took place at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port, where Lotte Fine Chemical supplied approximately 600 tonnes of clean ammonia via the PTS method to a 45,000-cubic metre class vessel constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The achievement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024 to promote ammonia bunkering. Since then, UPA has collaborated with key stakeholders across the ammonia value chain, including Korean Register, Lotte Fine Chemical, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and HMM, addressing policy, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, vessel readiness, and fuel supply.
Government bodies, including Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Ulsan Fire Department, also played a key role in ensuring safety and operational preparedness.
With ammonia now added to its portfolio alongside LNG and methanol, Ulsan Port is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation marine fuel adoption. The development underscores the growing importance of ports capable of supporting multiple fuel pathways as the shipping industry navigates uncertainty in its decarbonisation journey.
UPA President Byun Jae-young said the milestone reflects the port’s advanced energy infrastructure and accumulated bunkering expertise. He added that Ulsan Port aims to lead sustainable marine fuel bunkering while strengthening its role as a trusted global maritime hub.
