EPS Christens Terra Clove, Its First Dual-Fuel Ammonia VLAC
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Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) christened its first VLAC (Very Large Ammonia Carrier) dual-fuel ammonia vessel at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. The vessel, named Terra Clove, was presented as the world's first large-scale ammonia carrier capable of using that gas as fuel.
Technical specifications
The vessel has a capacity of 93,000 cubic meters and a length overall of 230 meters, and was designed both to carry ammonia as cargo and to use it as fuel. Propulsion is provided by a two-stroke Everllence B&W 6G60ME-C10.5-LGIA engine, built under license by HD Hyundai's Engine & Machinery division, which completed factory acceptance tests in April and received type approval in June. It is the first of two such vessels ordered by EPS from HD Hyundai and the first commercial dual-fuel ammonia ship registered under the Singapore flag, with delivery scheduled for November following sea trials.
Safety and project origin
The Terra Clove has four cargo tanks and a specialized ammonia fuel handling system, including leak detection, ventilation and emissions control, designed to mitigate the risks of handling a toxic and corrosive substance. The project originated in June 2022 through a partnership between EPS, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and classification society ABS, focused on vessel design, safety protocols, regulatory compliance and crew training.
Partnerships and fleet expansion
During the christening ceremony, EPS announced a strategic partnership with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to advance research into alternative fuels, dual-fuel propulsion, energy efficiency and ammonia safety, with a joint report on VLAC design expected by the end of this year. The company also ordered two additional 90,000-cubic-meter VLACs this year from China's Jiangnan Shipyard, with delivery scheduled for early 2028 and dual LPG fuel propulsion, adding to six 93,000-cubic-meter vessels already on order at the same yard.
Ties with HD Hyundai
Eastern Pacific's owner, Idan Ofer, highlighted at the ceremony the relationship with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, which according to Trade News comprises 70 vessels worth 7.9 billion dollars. SY Park, president of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Cyril Ducau also attended the event alongside the new VLAC Terra Clove.
