World’s first operational ammonia bunker vessel enters service

Shenghang Shipping’s converted ammonia carrier has achieved operational readiness as a bunker vessel after receiving a class certification for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

IMAGE: Ammonia bunker vessel, Shenghang Yongle. FKAB

The 5,500-cbm vessel, Shenghang Yongle, was originally built as a liquefied gas carrier and has been converted into a dual-purpose vessel capable of carrying liquid ammonia and delivering it to other vessels through ship-to-ship bunkering.

The vessel was designed by Swedish ship designer FKAB and constructed at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry's Dingheng shipyard. Chinese firm Shenghang Shipping manages the vessel.

The vessel’s original design provided a strong technical foundation for the conversion, according to FKAB.

Shenghang Yongle can carry several liquefied gases, including ammonia and LPG. It is also equipped with low-temperature cargo handling and two reliquefaction systems that were adapted for ammonia bunkering operations.

The project also included development of new operating procedures, risk assessments, and dedicated safety and emergency response arrangements to address ammonia’s toxicity, material compatibility, low-temperature handling, leak detection and bunkering risk control.

“Its conversion into an ammonia bunker vessel shows how robust naval architecture, adaptable cargo systems and carefully developed conversion documentation can help turn the marine energy transition into operational reality,” FKAB said.

The companies have not disclosed where the vessel will be deployed or which port will host its first commercial ammonia bunkering operations.

The milestone comes as Japan’s Itochu prepares to conduct live ammonia bunkering demonstrations in the fourth quarter of 2027 using a dedicated bunker vessel under construction at Sasaki Shipbuilding.

By Konica Bhatt

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