Singapore Registers the Terra Clove, First Ammonia Dual-Fuel VLAC
Cubierto por 3 fuentesPublicado
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) held the naming ceremony for the Terra Clove at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' (HHI) facilities in Ulsan, South Korea. The vessel is a Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC) of 93,000 cubic meters, EPS's first ammonia dual-fuel vessel and the first commercial newbuild of its kind registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS).
A development that began in 2022
The project is the result of a collaboration launched in June 2022 between MPA, EPS, HHI and classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to develop an ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier flying the Singapore flag. The vessel is equipped with Everllence's ammonia dual-fuel two-stroke marine engine, designated 6G60ME-LGIA, which completed factory acceptance testing in April 2026 and passed type approval trials in June.
Specifications and delivery
The Terra Clove, with a length overall of 230 meters, is designed to carry ammonia as cargo and use it as propulsion fuel, featuring four cargo tanks and specialized ammonia handling, containment and safety systems, including leak detection and emissions management. It is the first of two sister vessels being built by HHI for EPS, both registered under the Singapore flag, and is expected to be delivered in November 2026 following sea trials.
Statements from those involved
Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, noted that the development of the Terra Clove shows that bringing together expertise across the maritime value chain helps reduce uncertainties and investment risks, and stated that he hopes the vessel's success will build greater confidence in ammonia as a marine fuel. Cyril Ducau, CEO of EPS, said that the Terra Clove's launch marks an important milestone toward the viability of ammonia as a marine fuel and that, with regulatory guidance from MPA and support from HHI, ABS and Everllence, the company is building the capabilities needed to advance its safe adoption.
Partnerships and fleet expansion
During the naming ceremony, EPS also signed a strategic partnership with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to collaborate on alternative fuels, dual-fuel propulsion, energy efficiency and ammonia safety, including research into methane and ammonia emissions, with a joint white paper expected later this year. The milestone adds to EPS's expansion in the ammonia carrier market, having this year contracted two additional 90,000 cubic meter VLACs with dual LPG propulsion at Chinese shipyard Jiangnan, with delivery expected in the first half of 2028, following a series of six 93,000 cubic meter VLACs already ordered at the same yard.
