A gas carrier operating in China has been converted into what its designer describes as the world’s first operational vessel capable of both transporting and bunkering ammonia as a marine fuel, according to Ship & Bunker.
The 5,500 m³ semi-refrigerated and semi-pressurised liquefied gas carrier, named Shenghang Yongle, underwent the conversion in China, with the project led by Jiangsu Andefu Energy Development. Swedish naval architecture firm FKAB provided the design work, while Gloryholder supplied the cargo-handling systems, Ship & Bunker reports.
First Class Certificate of Its Kind
According to Ship & Bunker, the vessel has received the first ammonia bunkering class certificate issued by the China Classification Society (CCS). FKAB, in a press release cited by Ship & Bunker, stated that while several ammonia bunker vessel projects have reached design, feasibility, or construction stages elsewhere, Shenghang Yongle is the first to become operationally ready.
The 100-metre vessel was built by China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry’s Dingheng shipyard and is managed by Shenghang Shipping. Ship & Bunker notes that, according to MarineTraffic data, the vessel sailed in the East China Sea from Qinzhou to Caojing on September 6.
From Cargo Carrier to Dual-Purpose Fuel Supplier
The vessel was originally designed to transport ammonia, LPG, and vinyl chloride monomer as cargo, Ship & Bunker reports. The conversion added ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering capability on top of these existing trades, transforming it into a dual-purpose asset.
FKAB explained that the vessel’s cargo tanks, with a minimum design temperature of -48°C and two low-temperature reliquefaction systems, provided a strong technical basis for the conversion, since ammonia becomes liquid at around -33°C at normal atmospheric pressure. According to Ship & Bunker, the work included modifications to the bunkering system, new operating procedures, risk assessments, and safety arrangements to address ammonia’s toxicity, material compatibility, low-temperature handling, and leak detection during transfer operations.
FKAB noted that the absence of operational ammonia bunkering vessels has been a major gap in the ammonia fuel supply chain, and that this conversion demonstrates how existing ammonia-capable gas carriers in the fleet could be adapted for bunkering roles, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
Does This Matter to You?
Ammonia continues to be discussed as a potential zero-carbon marine fuel option, though industry concerns over its toxicity remain unresolved, according to the source material. The emergence of an operational bunkering vessel with class certification may be relevant to those tracking the development of alternative fuel infrastructure, including availability of bunkering assets in Asia/Pacific waters. The source material does not provide details on commercial availability, pricing, or wider rollout plans, so the direct operational impact for bunker buyers and vessel operators is not yet clear.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
