Hanwha Ocean announced on Nov. 14 that it has secured an order worth 656.2 billion won (US$504.5 million) for four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLAC) from Naftomar Shipping and Trading Co Ltd., a Greek company. These ships, to be constructed at the Geoje shipyard, are scheduled for delivery to the owner in the first half of 2027. The vessels ordered by Hanwha Ocean have a capacity of 93,000 cubic meters, making them the largest ammonia carriers ever commissioned.
These ships will feature Hanwha Ocean’s eco-friendly technologies, including a Shaft Generator Motor System (SGM) that connects motors to the propulsion shaft for fuel savings, and Hanwha’s own smart ship platform, Hanwha SmartShip Solution & Service (HS4). Notably, these vessels can be converted to ammonia propulsion in the future, should the owner wish. Naftomar, specializing in the global transportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and ammonia, has strengthened its business through its recent affiliation with the Hanwha Group. The company is aggressively expanding its fleet, focusing on large LPG carriers, to become a leader in energy transition and decarbonization. Naftomar’s decision to place this significant order is rooted in its confidence in Hanwha Ocean’s technical capabilities and the potential of the future ammonia market.
A representative from Hanwha Ocean commented, “This order reaffirms Hanwha Ocean’s expertise in eco-friendly shipbuilding technology. We are committed to constructing the highest quality ships that lead in the fields of environmental friendliness and digital technology.”