The Terra Clove, a Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC) capable of running on ammonia dual-fuel, was recently christened at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. This vessel, with a capacity of 93,000 cubic meters, marks a significant milestone as it is Eastern Pacific Shipping's (EPS) inaugural ammonia dual-fuel vessel. Furthermore, it is the first commercial newbuild of its type to be registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS).
This development underscores the growing industry focus on decarbonization and the adoption of alternative fuels to meet environmental regulations. The vessel is equipped with Everllence's first commercial ammonia dual-fuelled two-stroke marine engine, which successfully completed factory acceptance testing in April 2026, highlighting advancements in marine propulsion technology.
For freight forwarders and shippers, the introduction of such vessels signifies a step towards more sustainable shipping options. While immediate impacts on rates or capacity may not be evident, the long-term trend points to increasing availability of green shipping solutions. This could influence carrier selection for environmentally conscious cargo owners and potentially lead to new pricing structures reflecting the higher operational costs of alternative fuels. Forwarders should monitor the deployment of these vessels and their impact on specific trade lanes as part of their sustainability strategies.
