Classification society ABS on Monday (21 September) said it has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) approval in principle (AIP) for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

The approval is the result of a joint development project initiated earlier this year. ABS reviewed the design’s general arrangement, machinery arrangement, ammonia cargo handling system and fuel supply system against applicable class and international requirements.

Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering, said: “Bunkering infrastructure is a critical step for any marine fuel to scale, and it has to be implemented with safety designed in from the start.

“This AIP reflects the industry’s need for fuel flexibility while advancing the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE as they develop technologies that expand fuel flexibility.”

Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI, said: “As ammonia rapidly emerges as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunkering vessels is expected to grow in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-fuelled ships. 

“This AIP marks a significant milestone toward the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering vessels.”

ABS and the HD Hyundai group have worked together across a range of technologies supporting ammonia as a marine fuel. Recent projects have included AIP for HD KSOE’s ammonia cargo handling and bunkering system and initial review for HD HHI’s machinery arrangement in engine room.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 22 September, 2026

Trafigura on Monday (21 September) announced it has established a new, dedicated group company, Volare Shipping Ltd, to own, operate and scale a modern fleet of oil tankers. 

Volare Shipping’s fleet, initially comprised of six Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) on the water and eight newbuild vessels on order, will be commercially managed by Trafigura’s global shipping business.

In connection with the company’s launch, Volare Shipping has disclosed a contemplated Private Placement to raise approximately USD 500 million and a subsequent proposed listing of the company’s shares on Euronext Growth Oslo. Following the proposed listing, Trafigura will be the majority-owner of Volare Shipping.

Subject to, among other things, Euronext Oslo Børs’ approval of the company’s listing application, and a successful completion of the Private Placement, the company’s shares are expected to commence trading on Euronext Growth Oslo on or about 5 October 2026, under the ticker “VLCC”.

Trafigura currently manages approximately 500 vessels across multiple segments, including around 250 oil tankers.

Volare Shipping currently operates six VLCCs and has eight newbuild vessels on order, delivering progressively between 2026 and 2028.

Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura and Chair of the Board of Directors of Volare Shipping, said: “Trafigura’s growing footprint in the VLCC segment has revealed a clear opportunity to invest further in modern tonnage, alongside outside investors. Long-term fundamentals in crude oil transportation remain supportive, and a dedicated, listed company gives Volare Shipping investors direct exposure to the sector. 

“Oslo is home to one of the world’s leading stock exchanges for shipping companies. Access to this market will provide Volare Shipping with a strong platform for growth, and we look forward to scaling this new platform alongside other shareholders.”

Alexandre Duff, Chief Executive Officer of Volare Shipping, said: “Volare Shipping combines one of the youngest and most technically-advanced VLCC fleets in the market with access to Trafigura’s global trading, chartering and analytics platform. 

“Once the remaining newbuild vessels are delivered, we will own 14 modern VLCCs. The contemplated private placement will fully fund our current newbuilding programme, while our proven operational expertise positions Volare Shipping to deliver attractive long-term value for all shareholders.”

The newbuild vessels are larger than standard tankers and can carry greater cargo volumes. They are also fitted with additional internal tank coating and heating systems, enabling them to transport a wider range of cargo types. All vessels comply with international environmental and regulatory standards and have ammonia-ready dual-fuel capability.

Photo credit: Trafigura
Published: 22 September, 2026

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) on Thursday (17 September) held a naming ceremony at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, for YM Weight, the fourth vessel in its series of five 15,500 TEU-class LNG dual-fuel container vessels built by HD HHI. 

Mrs. Chiu-Lien Lin, the spouse of Administrative Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Mr. Kuo-Shian Lin, was invited as the Godmother to officially name the vessel and perform the ceremonial cord-cutting, wishing the ship smooth sailing and full loading on all future voyages. 

This series of vessels built by HD HHI has a length overall (LOA) of 364.97 meters, a breadth of 51 meters, and a capacity of approximately 15,600 TEU. 

The vessels are equipped with high-pressure dual-fuel main engines that run on both LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil, along with integrated navigational information, equipment monitoring, broadband maritime satellite systems, and multiple energy-saving systems to enhance operational efficiency and navigational safety. 

YM Weight, the fourth vessel in the series, is jointly classed by CR and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), bringing international classification expertise and capabilities to safeguard the safety and technical compliance of next-generation LNG dual-fuel vessels. 

Furthermore, following proactive underwater noise measurements, the vessel has achieved two industry firsts by receiving the Underwater Noise (UWN) notation from ABS and the Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) notation from CR. The dual recognitions underscore Yang Ming’s commitment to mitigate operational impact on marine life and sustainable development. 

In addition to expanding its next-generation fleet and strengthening its core shipping business, Yang Ming has continued to strengthen professional training for seafarers operating alternative-fuel vessels. 

Yang Ming’s senior Captain Ming-Yeong Pan will serve as the delivery captain of ‘YM Weight’. Captain Pan is the first seafarer in Taiwan to receive the Advanced Training Certificate under the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), Certificate No. 0001, issued by the Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC. 

To date, 148 Yang Ming officers have completed advanced IGF Code training and will progressively undertake onboard training aboard LNG-fueled vessels and practical alternative-fuel bunkering training. 

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport
Published: 18 September, 2026