Ciner Group Orders Six Ammonia Carriers from HD Hyundai

Turkish industrial conglomerate Ciner Group is reportedly expanding its maritime investments with a significant new order for six very large ammonia carriers (VLACs). South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai disclosed the contract, which is valued at approximately $715 million. The vessels will be dual-fuel, capable of transporting both ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

This order marks another substantial newbuilding investment for Ciner Group, which has been actively diversifying its fleet across multiple shipping sectors. The move into VLACs highlights a growing industry trend towards vessels designed for alternative fuels like ammonia, reflecting future environmental regulations and energy transition strategies.

For freight forwarders and operations managers, the addition of these VLACs to the global fleet signals a long-term commitment to ammonia as a potential future fuel and cargo. While these vessels are primarily for bulk gas transport, their existence underscores the evolving landscape of shipping and the increasing focus on decarbonization. This could eventually influence bunkering options and vessel specifications for other cargo types as the industry progresses towards greener solutions. The dual-fuel capability also provides operational flexibility, ensuring the vessels remain viable for LPG transport in the interim.