HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has secured a contract to build three very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) for a European shipowner. The deal is worth 545.6 billion won and the vessels will be built by HD Hyundai Samho with delivery scheduled by the first half of 2030. Ammonia is gaining traction as a low-carbon fuel for shipping and as a hydrogen carrier, making this order a signal of growing demand for ammonia transport infrastructure tied to decarbonization goals. So far this year, the company has won orders for 142 vessels worth $16.39 billion, reaching 70.3% of its annual target. The orderbook includes 17 LNG carriers, 28 container ships, and 43 LPG, ammonia, and LCO2 carriers. The mix shows shipowners are investing in vessels that can handle lower-carbon fuels and carbon capture logistics, which matters for anyone tracking maritime emissions and the infrastructure needed to support the energy transition.
