LOTTE Fine Chemical Completes World’s First Green Ammonia Bunkering

(Bioenergy International) On April 23, 2026, at the Port of Ulsan, South Korea, LOTTE Fine Chemical completed the world's first commercial bunkering of green ammonia on an ammonia-powered vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

In South Korea, chemical major LOTTE Fine Chemical Corporation (LOTTE) has announced that it has achieved the world’s first commercialization of ammonia bunkering, marking a major milestone in the global transition to carbon-free energy – ...

... LOTTE has now completed its first commercial fuel supply to an ammonia-powered vessel.

On April 23, 2026, at the Port of Ulsan, the company supplied this green ammonia as marine fuel to the world’s first ammonia-powered vessel, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

While ammonia fuel has previously been used in demonstration projects, this marks its first commercial application.

Leveraging Asia’s largest ammonia terminal infrastructure near Ulsan Port, LOTTE Fine Chemical became Korea’s first registered ammonia marine fuel supplier in 2025.

As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets net-zero emissions by 2050, global shipping companies are increasingly ordering ammonia-powered vessels that utilize carbon-free fuels.

Ammonia (NH3), a carbon-free and environmentally friendly fuel, can be stored in liquid form at relatively moderate temperatures (-33°C) and benefits from an established global distribution network.

With a storage density approximately 1.7 times higher than liquefied hydrogen (-253°C), ammonia is emerging as an efficient hydrogen carrier for large-scale, long-distance transport and storage.

It can also be used directly as a fuel, making it a promising solution for both maritime and power generation applications. READ MORE

Excerpt from MarineLog: This milestone is seen as taking ammonia-fueled vessels a major step forward to becoming an operational reality. It builds on Ulsan Port’s earlier achievements, including the world’s first methanol bunkering demonstration (2023–2026) and simultaneous LNG bunkering operations for car carriers.

With this latest development, says Ulsan Port, it has, for the first time in the world, demonstrated ammonia bunkering for a commercial vessel via port-to-ship (PTS) operations, reinforcing its position as a leading green marine fuel supply hub. READ MORE

Excerpt from Seoul Economic Daily: The fuel used was green ammonia produced in March by China's Envision using 100% renewable energy (wind and solar) in Inner Mongolia. Lotte Fine Chemical imported the product through cross-border trade for the first time in the world. While research-purpose demonstrations had been conducted previously, this is the first time commercial supply has taken place. READ MORE

Excerpt from Gasworld: While various ammonia bunkering demonstrations and pilot projects have taken place, Lotte claims this to be the first commercial event. It is unclear whether the bunkering represents a one-off operation or the start of regular supply.

Hyejeong Kim, Director General for Shipping and Logistics at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said South Korea hoped the fuelling would serve as a “catalyst” for introducing clean fuels into ports.

The 190-metre vessel was one of two ammonia-fuelled ships completed by HHI earlier this month, which will be operated as gas carriers by the French subsidiary of shipping group Exmar.

Named Antwerpen and Arlon, the ships use HHI’s high-pressure ammonia injection engine, allowing up to 95% ammonia to be used alongside fossil fuel. They are due to be delivered to Exmar LPG France in May and June.

The bunkering milestone after Lotte became South Korea’s first registered ammonia marine fuel supplier in 2025. Ulsan was designated as a “regulatory-free” special zone the same year for ammonia bunkering to help spur development.

However, the fuel faces criticism for energy losses accrued in the production process as well as its toxicity to humans and aquatic life.

It comes as global shippers face increasing pressures to decarbonise, with emissions levies now placed on most ships docking in EU ports. Despite delays to a crucial vote on a global carbon pricing framework set out by the International Maritime Organization, many believe the pressure to switch to clean fuels will only rise in the coming years. READ MORE