World’s First Ammonia Port-to-Ship Bunkering for Dual-Fuel Gas Carrier Completed in Korea
Ulsan Port Authority (UPA), which manages and operates South Korea’s largest industrial port complex, has completed what it describes as the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation for an ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier.
The milestone marks the Asian country’s latest step toward cleaner maritime fuel solutions as the global shipping industry continues its energy transition.
The operation was carried out at Ulsan Port on April 23, 2026. It adds to the port’s earlier milestones, including the world’s first methanol bunkering demonstration from 2023 to 2026 and simultaneous LNG bunkering operations for car carriers.
With this latest development, Ulsan Port is said to have demonstrated ammonia bunkering for a commercial vessel through port-to-ship (PTS) operations for the first time in the world. The achievement further strengthens its position as a green marine fuel supply hub.
Byun Jae-young, President of UPA, commented: “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.”
After signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in January 2024 to promote the ammonia bunkering industry, UPA worked closely with key stakeholders across the ammonia value chain.
These included Korean Register (KR), Lotte Fine Chemical, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and HMM. Their collaboration covered policy and regulation, port infrastructure, vessel readiness, and fuel supply.
Relevant authorities also supported the operation, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Ulsan Fire Department. Their cooperation helped ensure robust safety management and operational readiness.
The bunkering operation took place at Pier 2 of Ulsan Main Port. Lotte Fine Chemical, designated as the sustainable marine fuel supply demonstration operator, supplied approximately 600 tons of clean ammonia via the PTS method to a 45K-class vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
UPA highlighted: “With this achievement, Ulsan Port continues to demonstrate 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.”
