World’s first operational ammonia bunker vessel enters service following conversion

The world’s first operational ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering vessel has entered service following the conversion of a 5,500-cubic-metre liquefied gas carrier, Swedish ship designer FKAB Marine Design said on Thursday (10 September). 

The vessel is now the world’s first operational ammonia bunker vessel and has received the first ammonia bunkering class certificate.

FKAB said the achievement represents an important step in the development of the infrastructure needed to support ammonia as a marine fuel. 

While several ammonia bunker vessel projects have reached the design, feasibility or construction stage, the Shenghang Yongle has now progressed into operational readiness.

Jiangsu Andefu Energy Development led the conversion and certification process in close cooperation with China Classification Society, while FKAB together with cargo handling supplier Gloryholder prepared the technical drawing documentation required for the conversion.

The vessel can transport liquid ammonia and deliver it as a marine fuel through ship-to-ship bunkering. 

Originally designed as a flexible liquefied gas carrier, the vessel has been upgraded from a conventional ammonia carrier into a dual-purpose vessel capable of both transporting liquid ammonia and delivering it as fuel through ship-to-ship bunkering.

The overall work included modifications to the bunkering system, development of operating procedures, risk assessments, and the establishment of safety and emergency-response arrangements.

Particular attention was given to the challenges associated with ammonia, including toxicity, material compatibility, low-temperature operation, leak detection and risk control during bunkering.

Photo credit: FKAB Marine Design
Published: 15 September, 2026