Ulsan Port Authority (UPA), which manages and operates South Korea’s largest industrial port complex, has revealed the Asian country’s latest leap toward cleaner maritime fuel solutions in the global shipping industry’s energy transition by completing what it describes as the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation for an ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier.

This achievement was accomplished at Ulsan Port on April 23, 2026, adding to earlier milestones, including the world’s first methanol bunkering demonstration (2023–2026) 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 via port-to-ship (PTS) operations for the first time in the world, reinforcing 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 UPA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in January 2024 to promote the ammonia bunkering industry, it 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, relevant 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.

Thanks to this, 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 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.”

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