World’s First Ammonia VLAC Set for Green Ammonia Bunker | Mariner News
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has named the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC), Terra Clove, which is slated for green ammonia bunkering trials in Ulsan, South Korea. This landmark event signals a critical step in operationalising ammonia as a primary marine fuel for the global fleet.
The 93,000 m3 vessel, constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), is powered by the inaugural Everllence ammonia dual-fuel two-stroke engine. Capable of running on both ammonia and conventional marine fuels, the Terra Clove is positioned to significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions when utilising green ammonia produced with renewable energy.
LOTTE Fine Chemical will supply the green ammonia from its Ulsan terminal, sourced from Envision Energy, specifically for the vessel’s ammonia-burning trials. This bunkering operation represents a crucial real-world test for the nascent green ammonia supply chain, validating logistics from production to shipboard consumption at a major port.
The Terra Clove is the product of a collaborative effort initiated in September 2023, involving EPS, HHI, Everllence, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and ABS. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of ammonia dual-fuel vessels and establish the necessary operational and safety frameworks.
A key implication of selecting a VLAC for this pioneering initiative is the inherent synergy between cargo and fuel. As a vessel designed to transport large volumes of ammonia, the Terra Clove’s ability to also consume it as fuel offers unique insights into integrated handling, storage, and safety protocols for hazardous substances used both as cargo and propellant. This operational overlap could inform future designs and regulatory approaches for other gas carriers, potentially streamlining port calls and operational clearances.
While maritime firm Exmar took delivery of an earlier ammonia-fuelled vessel this year, the Terra Clove’s entry and impending green ammonia trials mark a significant scaling-up of the technology for large-capacity carriers, further cementing ammonia’s pathway in maritime decarbonization.
