Maersk Tankers has confirmed an order for up to ten very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in Korea.
The first four vessels will see a co-investment from Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and will be operated by Maersk Tankers. The contract also includes options for an additional six vessels.
The order comes at a time of increasing demand for clean hydrogen and its derivative, clean ammonia, as the world transitions to clean energy. With several clean ammonia projects currently being developed globally, there is a high demand for transportation solutions.
Tina Revsbech, CEO of Maersk Tankers, emphasized the importance of taking concrete actions to advance the energy transition. “Concrete actions are needed for the tanker industry to progress the energy transition, and in Maersk Tankers, we want to play our part in making transportation of clean energy a reality,” she said.
The newbuilds will have a capacity of 93,000 cubic meters, ranking them among the largest ammonia carriers in operation. The first four VLACs are scheduled for delivery starting from late 2026.
To ensure compatibility with clean ammonia, Maersk Tankers is collaborating with MAN Energy Solutions and Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine Machine Division (EMD) on the ammonia-capable engines. However, the decision to install such engines requires regulatory and customer support.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a co-investor in the first four vessels, sees ammonia as a promising option for next-generation energy sources.
“Mitsui will leverage its expertise and experience in the shipping industry as well as in energy and chemicals to accelerate the transportation of ammonia which we see as one of the promising options for sources of next generation energy,” said Kensuke Kubota, General Manager of the Marine Solution Business Div. at Mitsui & Co.
The vessels will be classified by the American Bureau of Shipping.
Maersk Tankers was a key player in gas shipping from 1972 until it sold its gas business in 2013 to BW Group. This year, however, the company has re-entered the gas sector and now manages a fleet of nearly 30 very large gas carriers (VLGCs).
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