HD Hyundai completes world’s 1st ammonia-fueled tankers

Joo Won-ho, front row left, president of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' naval and medium-sized ship business unit, poses with Nicolas Saverys, front row center, executive chairman of EXMAR, in front of the Korean firm's new ammonia-propelled tankers at its shipyard in Ulsan, Thursday. The ships were each named Antwerpen and Arlon. Courtesy of HD Hyundai

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) said Thursday it has completed construction of two ammonia-fueled tankers for a Belgian ship operator, marking a milestone for eco-friendly shipping.

The two liquefied gas tankers, named Antwerpen and Arlon after Belgian cities, were built for EXMAR LPG France, a subsidiary of Belgium-based floating solutions developer EXMAR. The vessels are part of four medium-sized ammonia-propelled gas carriers ordered in 2023 and 2024 and are scheduled for delivery in May and July.

Each ship measures 190 meters in length, 30.4 meters in width and 18.8 meters in height, with a cargo capacity of 46,000 cubic meters. The dual-fuel vessels are equipped with three cargo tanks capable of carrying liquefied petroleum gas, ammonia and other liquefied gases. They also feature shaft generators and selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce carbon emissions, while ammonia gas detectors and purge recovery units enhance safety against potential leaks.

The naming ceremony was held at the company’s shipyard in Ulsan, attended by around 70 officials, including Joo Won-ho, president of HD HHI’s naval and medium-sized ship business unit; Nicolas Saverys, executive chairman of EXMAR; and Bruno Jans, Belgian ambassador to Korea.

“We are deeply honored to be the first in the world to build an ammonia-powered ship, which requires highly advanced technology,” Joo said, adding that the company will continue strengthening its leadership in the eco-friendly ship market.

Ammonia, which produces no carbon emissions when burned, is emerging as a key future maritime fuel. The International Energy Agency expects ammonia to account for 8 percent of marine fuel demand by 2030 and 46 percent by 2050.

HD HHI said ammonia can be stored in high-pressure tanks at 8 bar or in low-temperature tanks at minus 33 degrees Celsius without cryogenic technology. Its liquefied storage density is about 1.7 times that of hydrogen, offering advantages for long-distance transportation and storage.