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Maersk Tankers places order for up to 10 very large ammonia carriers
Mitsui & Co joins as co-investor in a firm order for the first four vessels as the trend for very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) orders rapidly intensifies
Maersk Tankers has confirmed an order for up to 10 VLACs with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea. The order was initiated by an unnamed company affiliated with Maersk Tankers, and Japanese logistics investment and trading outfit Mitsui & Co is co-investing with the Maersk affiliate on at least the first four vessels.
Maersk Tankers will operate the vessels. The order follows a growing trend in orders for VLACs, particularly with South Korean shipyards.
"Clean hydrogen and its derivative, clean ammonia, are poised to become vital commodities during the transition to clean energy. Many of the clean ammonia projects under development in the world require seaborne transport," Maersk Tankers said.
Maersk Tankers’ 93,000-m3 newbuilds will be among the largest ammonia carriers in operation, capable of carrying a full cargo of ammonia. The first four firm VLACs are due to be delivered from late 2026 onwards, and the contract includes options for an additional six vessels.
Hanwha Ocean announced orders for at least five VLACs and one ultra-large ammonia carrier in November 2023. The five-VLCC order with Naftomar is for 93,000-m3 capacity vessels and, with no further information from Hanwha on the ultra-large carrier but an identical per vessel price tag, it is unclear whether that vessel will be larger than others ordered to date.
Maersk Tankers said it is partnering with MAN Energy Solutions and Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine Machine Division to make the vessels capable of running on ammonia, but that "a decision to install ammonia-capable engines requires both regulatory and customer support".
The vessels will hold classification from American Bureau of Shipping, according to Maersk Tankers.
Maersk Tankers chief executive Tina Revsbech said, “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 transport of clean energy a reality. We are building on our legacy of operating gas carriers to offer a crucial transport service that will aid the transition. With this initiative, we will be able to service clean ammonia producers and users in many parts of the world with highly energy efficient and safe ships.”
The company recently launched a voyage management standalone service handling 12 gas carriers for two owners and later signed a deal with Japanese LPG distributor and trader Astomos to be voyage manager for five very large gas carriers, with the potential to add further vessels.
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