South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Samho has delivered its first very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) to Maersk Tankers, according to a press release from HD Hyundai Samho reported by Ship & Bunker.
The newly delivered vessel, named Jane Maersk, has a capacity of 93,000 cubic meters and is the first of five VLACs ordered by Maersk Tankers in November 2023, Ship & Bunker reports. According to the shipbuilder, the vessel is built to transport both liquefied ammonia and LPG, giving it flexibility across two cargo segments.
Built-In Safety Features
HD Hyundai Samho said the carrier includes specialised safety systems, among them a high-level alarm designed to lower the risk of misloading ammonia, as reported by Ship & Bunker. Given ammonia’s toxicity and handling requirements, safeguards of this kind are a key consideration for vessels entering this emerging trade.
Growing Order Backlog
The delivery of Jane Maersk comes as HD Hyundai Samho continues to expand its footprint in the ammonia carrier segment. According to the company, it has secured orders for nine VLACs so far this year alone, bringing its total order backlog to 22 vessels valued at approximately $2.55 billion, Ship & Bunker reports. HD Hyundai Samho stated that this delivery reinforces its position in the expanding ammonia carrier market.
Does This Matter to You?
The rollout of dedicated ammonia carriers reflects the ongoing build-out of infrastructure supporting ammonia as both a cargo and a potential marine fuel. As reported by Ship & Bunker, Maersk Tankers’ new VLAC is designed for dual cargo capability, carrying both ammonia and LPG, which may be relevant to those tracking the development of gas carrier fleets and alternative energy logistics.
For parties monitoring the broader shift toward low-carbon shipping fuels, including ammonia, this delivery is one indicator of shipbuilding capacity and order activity in the sector. The source material does not provide details on planned trading routes, charter arrangements, or bunkering implications for this specific vessel, so further direct operational impact is not yet clear from the available reporting.
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
