LOTTE: completing the ammonia bunker fuel value chain

Commercial bunker operation in Ulsan uses ammonia from China to fuel EXMAR’s new mid-sized gas carrier

Click to expand. LOTTE Fine Chemical has commercially bunkered EXMAR’s Antwerpen dual-fuel vessel with ammonia fuel in Ulsan, South Korea. Source: LOTTE Fine Chemical.

LOTTE Fine Chemical has completed a port-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation at the Port of Ulsan, fueling EXMAR’s newly-launched Antwerpen mid-sized gas carrier – a dual-fuel vessel able to utilise ammonia fuel. 600 tons of ammonia fuel was bunkered, originating from Envision’s renewable ammonia production plant in Chifeng, China. The ammonia fuel will power sea trials of the Antwerpen off the South Korean coast, with the vessel having already completed sea trials on conventional (diesel) fuel. The Antwerpen is then due to be formally delivered to EXMAR for service at the end of May. The full supply chain for marine ammonia fuel is also backed by certification, with Envision having already secured a “rigorous suite of high-standard certifications”, including participation in the pilot of the AEA’s Ammonia Certification System.

Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, Ulsan Port Authority, and Korean Register supported the operation, advancing regulatory frameworks and providing institutional support. Their efforts include pilot projects for eco-friendly marine fuel supply, the registration of ammonia fuel suppliers, the establishment of safety management guidelines, and the development of safety standards based on risk assessments.

Leveraging its existing (and Asia’s largest) ammonia terminal near Ulsan Port, LOTTE Fine Chemical became South Korea’s first registered ammonia marine fuel supplier in 2025. In May 2025, Ulsan City was designated the “Ulsan Ammonia Bunkering Regulatory Free Zone”, easing the regulatory burden on first-movers to develop and demonstrate ammonia bunkering in and around Ulsan Port.

The world’s first commercialization of ammonia as marine fuel holds profound historical significance, as it demonstrates a complete carbon-free energy supply chain—from production to distribution and utilization—based on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. This achievement, made possible through strong collaboration among government, institutions, and industry, represents a meaningful step forward not only for the marine fuel market but also for the broader hydrogen economy.

Seungwon Chung, CEO of LOTTE Fine Chemical, in his organisation’s press release, 23 Apr 2026 (provided to the AEA)

This milestone was made possible by Ulsan Port’s robust energy infrastructure and extensive bunkering expertise. It demonstrates the port’s capability to supply a full range of eco-friendly marine fuels. We will continue to position Ulsan as a global hub for sustainable marine fuel supply.

Jaeyoung Byun, President of Ulsan Port Authority, in LOTTE’s press release, 23 Apr 2026 (provided to the AEA)

Following the memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 with key industry partners, we have continuously worked to enhance the safety of ammonia dual-fuel vessels and fuel supply systems. We are proud that these efforts have culminated in this historic achievement. KR will continue to support the global ammonia bunkering industry and maritime decarbonization through technical verification and regulatory development.

Daeheon Kim, Executive Vice President of the Korean Register (KR), in LOTTE’s press release, 23 Apr 2026 (provided to the AEA)