Centering on the Port of Ulsan, South Korea, LOTTE Fine Chemical has established a green energy corridor linking renewable production in Inner Mongolia to North Asia’s maritime heartland. By utilizing Ulsan’s regulatory-free zone and Asia’s largest ammonia terminal, the company successfully commercialized a cross-border, carbon-free supply chain. This breakthrough anchors South Korea as the strategic epicenter for the Pacific’s future zero-emission shipping lanes.
Ulsan, South Korea | April 23, 2026 – In a definitive pivot for the global maritime industry, LOTTE Fine Chemical has announced the world’s first successful commercialization of ammonia bunkering. This milestone marks the completion of the first end-to-end carbon-free supply chain, where renewable energy from wind and solar is converted into ammonia, transported across borders, and finally utilized as marine fuel.
While ammonia has been the subject of various pilot programs and technical demonstrations over the last few years, this operation represents the first full-scale commercial application, moving the fuel from the “experimental” phase into the global energy market.
The Vessel and the Operation
The bunkering operation took place at the Port of Ulsan, involving a state-of-the-art ammonia-powered vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Vessel Specifications:
- Cargo Capacity: 45,000 cubic meters
- Dimensions: 190 meters in length / 18.8 meters in height
- Fuel Type: Green Ammonia (Produced via 100% renewable energy by Envision in Inner Mongolia)
The green ammonia used in this operation was imported by LOTTE Fine Chemical in March 2026, establishing the first cross-border trade route for zero-carbon ammonia specifically destined for the maritime sector.
A Collaborative Regulatory Triumph
The transition to ammonia as a marine fuel required more than just technical readiness; it necessitated a complete overhaul of safety and regulatory frameworks. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, alongside the Ulsan Regional Office, the Ulsan Port Authority, and the Korean Register (KR), spent years developing:
- Standardized safety management guidelines for toxic/corrosive fuel handling.
- Risk-assessment-based safety standards for ship-to-ship and terminal bunkering.
- Registration protocols for ammonia fuel suppliers (LOTTE Fine Chemical became Korea’s first in 2025).
“This achievement demonstrates a complete carbon-free energy supply chain, from production to distribution and utilization,” said Seungwon Chung, CEO of LOTTE Fine Chemical. “It represents a meaningful step forward not only for the marine fuel market but also for the broader hydrogen economy.”
Why Ammonia?
As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) pushes for net-zero emissions by 2050, ammonia (NH3) has emerged as a frontrunner due to several critical factors:
| Feature | Advantage |
| Storage Temperature | Stays liquid at a manageable -33°C (compared to -253°C for hydrogen). |
| Energy Density | Approximately 1.7 times higher storage density than liquefied hydrogen. |
| Infrastructure | Benefits from a pre-existing global distribution network used by the fertilizer industry. |
| Carbon Profile | Emits zero CO2 when combusted, making it a “well-to-wake” green solution. |
Leadership Perspectives
Hyejeong Kim, Director General for Shipping and Logistics (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries) “We hope this successful demonstration will serve as a catalyst for transforming our ports into eco-friendly marine fuel hubs. We will continue to enhance port competitiveness by promoting sustainable marine fuels.”
Eunguk Lee, Commissioner (Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries) “Beyond achieving a world-first milestone, establishing standardized safety practices is equally important. We will ensure Ulsan leads in international standardization.”
Jaeyoung Byun, President of Ulsan Port Authority “This was made possible by Ulsan’s robust energy infrastructure. It demonstrates our capability to supply a full range of eco-friendly marine fuels to the global fleet.”
Daeheon Kim, Executive Vice President (Korean Register) “Following our 2024 MOU, we have worked to enhance the safety of dual-fuel vessels. KR will continue to support maritime decarbonization through technical verification.”
Ulsan as a Global Hub
Ulsan Metropolitan City was designated as a Regulatory-Free Special Zone for Ammonia Bunkering in May 2025. With Korea’s largest hydrogen production and utilization ecosystem already in place, the city is positioning itself as the “clean energy capital” of Asia.
LOTTE Fine Chemical is now leveraging its infrastructure to build a multi-channel sales platform, ensuring that the supply chain is ready as global shipping companies increase orders for ammonia-powered vessels.
About LOTTE Fine Chemical
Founded in 1964 as the world’s largest urea fertilizer plant, LOTTE Fine Chemical has evolved into a global leader in the specialty chemicals sector. Headquartered in South Korea, the company maintains a diversified portfolio of high-value materials essential to the construction, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries.
With over 60 years of expertise in ammonia handling and management, LOTTE Fine Chemical operates Asia’s premier ammonia distribution infrastructure. Today, the company is at the forefront of the global energy transition, repositioning itself as Asia’s leading clean ammonia hub.
By leveraging its extensive logistics network and technical capabilities, LOTTE Fine Chemical is actively building a comprehensive clean energy value chain, spanning production, global sourcing, and bunkering, to drive the maritime and energy industries toward a carbon-neutral future.
Source: LOTTE Fine Chemical